Heather O’Connell

Heather O’Connell is a recent retiree from her 33-year career as a General and Choral Music Educator with the Oneida City School District. During her tenure, Heather was responsible for educating young musicians and developing singers in choirs with a variety of voicings at the elementary level (K-6), as well as the high school level (9-12).  

She has also been a guest conductor for a variety of All-County and Area All-State Choirs, working with both Treble and Mixed-voice choirs.  

An avid accompanist, Heather spent 31 years as a collaborative pianist for the Oneida Area Civic Chorale as well as accompanying for many choirs at a variety of levels, including both vocal and instrumental NYSSMA soloists, all-county choirs, area all-state choirs, as well as supporting local high school musicals as a pit pianist. She has also been a pianist/organist for the Spirit of Hope Parish in Oneida for over 20 years.  

A graduate of the Crane School of Music (B.M. in Music Education) and SUNY Fredonia (M.M in Music Education), Heather was recognized as a Barry Manilow Music Educator of the Year in August of 2024. She is delighted and honored to be a part of this very exciting and moving performance today.