Our Team

Mark J. Connor

Host & Producer

Mark J. Connor is the host of Everything Band, a podcast that features interviews with leaders in the concert band, wind ensemble, and marching arts communities. He is a composer, conductor, and educator whose main focus is writing for concert band, with works appearing on several state lists. His band music has enjoyed performances at several state music educator conferences, including TMEA, and his music is published by RWS Music Company, Grand Mesa Music, and Alry Publications.

Mark is currently the band teacher at the Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School in St. Louis, Missori. He resides in Glen Carbon, Illinois and is married to the cellist Marta Simidtchieva and has two children. His hobbies include martial arts and watching baseball, and he is a second degree black belt in taekwondo.

Jake Walker

Creative Director

Jake Walker is the Creative Director for the Everything Band Podcast since 2021. Jake is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Wind Band Conducting at the Mead Witter School of Music, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Alongside his studies, he serves as a graduate teaching assistant for the UW-Madison Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, University Bands, and the Badger Marching Band. Jake also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Northern Illinois University, where he had the privilege of leading the Huskie Marching Band as drum major.

Originally from Belvidere, Illinois, Jake has shared his passion for music education at various schools across Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. His teaching experience includes roles such as the 5th Grade Band Director at Hannah Martin Elementary in the Huntley School District 158 and Assistant Marching Band Director at Crystal Lake South High School and Huntley High School. Additionally, Jake is an active member of the Band Directors Marching Band, a renowned marching ensemble composed of music educators from all over North America. The Band Directors Band proudly made its debut in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California in 2022 and was invited to perform at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City in 2023.

Beyond his conducting endeavors, Jake has showcased his trumpet skills by performing with various musical ensembles, including the Rockford Concert Band, DeKalb Municipal Band, Mueller Brass Quintet, and the Second Congressional Church Ensemble of Rockford. He has also been involved with numerous university ensembles at both NIU and UW-Madison.

Jake is an active member of professional organizations that include the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and the National Band Association (NBA), underscoring his commitment to furthering his knowledge and engagement within the field.

In his leisure time, Jake finds solace in activities such as being outdoors, running, exploring new destinations, and indulging his passion for baking delectable desserts.