The Executive Board of Presbyterian Association of Musicians (PAM) is pleased to announce the call and appointment of Dr. William McConnell as Executive Director. He begins his service to the organization and its members on January 1, 2012, and follows Alan Barthel, who is retiring from the organization after 11 years as its first Executive Director.
Dr. McConnell comes to PAM from the faculty of St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, NC where he held the positions of Associate Professor of Music and Associate Dean for Adult and Extended Programs. In addition to classroom teaching, he has led the St. Andrews choirs in appearances in Presbyterian Churches all along the eastern seaboard. Bill has also held academic appointments at Oklahoma State University, the University of Tulsa, and Oral Roberts University. He brings experience as a professional church musician in congregations of the Presbyterian Church (USA), Episcopal, United Methodist, and Mennonite Brethren churches in addition to a wealth of experience as an administrator in educational organizations, non-profit arts organizations, and the for-profit business sector.
In announcing this appointment, PAM President Ken Courtney commented, “the Executive Board is very excited to have Bill McConnell coming on-board as our new Executive Director. Bill brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and great enthusiasm for the mission of PAM. We all look forward to working with him.”
Bill holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and the Master of Music degree in Choral Music Education from East Carolina University. He grew up in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and has remained closely connected with his home congregation in Charlotte, NC. Currently serving Laurinburg Presbyterian Church as Chancel Choir Director, he is active as a choral conductor, adjudicator, and clinician, as well as collaborative pianist.
Prior to his appointment as Executive Director, Bill served PAM as a member of the Financial Development Committee. He is a Life Member of the American Choral Directors Association, serving most recently as National Repertoire & Standards Chair for College and University Choirs, and a member of the American Guild of Organists, The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada, Chorus America, and MENC: The National Association for Music Education.
In commenting on his appointment, Bill observed, “PAM is a strong organization providing important service to the church and its worship and music professionals through conferences, resources, advocacy, and networking. I am pleased to join the PAM board in building on the foundation that already exists, and exploring exciting, challenging, and new possibilities. I am honored to follow retiring Executive Director Alan Barthel in serving this vital organization. I stand on the shoulders of a giant.”
The Presbyterian Association of Musicians is committed to strengthening and enriching worship, the very heart of the church’s life and ministry. PAM welcomes musicians, pastors, educators, and lay people who love and serve the Triune God and share this commitment. PAM strives to educate and empower its members and to form faithful disciples in the Presbyterian Church, USA through music, liturgy, and the arts.
To learn more about PAM, visit our website at http://www.presbymusic.org or find us on Facebook.
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