Illinois

Dr. John Bell
and Dr. Jennifer Moder-Bell

Dr. John Bell is currently the director of the wind ensemble at McKendree University, in Lebanon, IL, and the music and artistic director for the St. Louis Brass Band. Additionally, he is professor of music emeritus from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he served as director of bands and professor of conducting and music education for 30 years.

Ensembles under his direction have been selected for performance at the international conference of the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles in Chiayi City, Taiwan; the national convention of the Music Educators National Conference (now NAfME); divisional conferences of the Southwest and North-Central College Band Directors National Association; the state conferences of the Illinois Music Educators and Colorado Music Educators; and twice in New York City’s Carnegie Hall. Dr. Bell was Brass Caption Head for the Cavaliers and the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps, and has judged championship events for Drum Corps International, Bands of America, US Bands and the World Music Festival. 

Dr. Bell has traveled extensively in Europe, Canada and Asia, leading tours with both his collegiate ensembles and the Illinois Ambassadors of Music. He serves as Illinois State Coordinator, alongside his wife, Dr. Jennifer Moder-Bell, who serves as Director of Bands and Professor of Music Education at McKendree University. Together, they marvel at the personal growth they see in student performers from the beginning of the tour to the end.