Band Program Faculty/Staff
Hope Connelly is Director of Bands at Coal City High School. Hope Connelly is a 2015 graduate of Coal City High School. She graduated with a Bachelors in Music Education from McKendree University. At McKendree, Ms. Connelly participated in the Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Marching Bearcat Band, Pep Band, Show Choir Vocal Jazz, Concert Choir, Flute Ensemble, Jazz Combo, Jazz Ensemble, musical theatre and the university’s chapter of NAfME (National Association for Music Education). Prior to Coal City, Hope taught 5th grade flute and oboe at Amelia Carriel Junior High School during the 2017-2018 school year. From 2017-2019 Hope was also the flute instructor for the Central Cougars Marching band and the Mater Dei Marching Knights in Breese Illinois. She welcomes all students at Coal City High School to join one of the many music ensembles and become part of our music family.
Hi! My name is Ashley Jackman and I am super excited to be this year’s color guard coach! I have been in guard since I was in 7th grade, all the way through college where I was a member of the Big Red Marching Machine color guard for 3 years at Illinois State University. I am a 2017 Coal City High School graduate. After high school, I went to Illinois State University to get my degree in Elementary Education and graduated in December of 2021. I am currently working for Coal City School District as a special education kindergarten teacher at the ECC. I can’t wait to get this season started and work with everyone!