Our Directors

Matthew W. Shephard is in his 25th year as the Director of Bands at Meridian Public Schools. He attended Central Michigan University, where he earned both his Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music in Conducting degrees. In addition, Shephard serves as Adjunct Professor of Music at Bowling Green State University where he mentors students completing the Master of Music Education: Teaching Artistry program.

Mr. Shephard has led his Jr. High and High School ensembles to consistent superior ratings at both Michigan School Band & Orchestra Association (MSBOA) District and State Festivals. Under his leadership, the Class C high school band has grown to well over 120 musicians which represents over one-third of the student population. The Symphonic Band performed at the 2011, 2016, 2020 and 2024 Michigan Music Conferences, and his jazz bands have been featured annually at the Detroit Jazz Festival since 2012. 

In 2025, Mr. Shephard was presented the CMA Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence Award. Mr. Shephard has also been honored as a four-time Top 10 GRAMMY Music Educator of the Year Finalist (2023-2026). MSBOA District 5 named Mr. Shephard the 2015 Band Teacher of the Year, and he was a finalist for the 2016 MSBOA State Teacher of the Year. 

Mr. Shephard conducts Middle School and High School Honors Bands across the state and is in demand as a clinician and adjudicator for concert and jazz festivals. He is a member of several professional music associations including ASBDA, JEN, NBA, and NAfME. Shephard also served as the State President of the MSBOA, and continues to serve on the State Executive Cabinet. In addition, Mr. Shephard published a comprehensive beginning method book for adults titled, “Do-It-Yourself Trombone” through Hal Leonard Publishing.

In his free time, Mr. Shephard is an avid distance runner and is a Cross Country and Track and Field coach. He and his wife Abby have three boys, Aiden, Jonah and Keegan and their rescue dog, Tater.

Learn more about the services Mr. Shephard provides at: www.mwshephard.com

James W. O’Connell is a fifth year educator but is in his first year as the Assistant director of Bands and Elementary Music Teacher at Meridian Public Schools. Within the Meridian community, he has the opportunity to work with students ranging from grades 3-12. This allows him to teach a variety of musical subjects such as general music, marching band, and concert bands. He is also a proud alumnus from Meridian back in 2016. He is very excited to be back at Meridian and work along with Mr. Shephard to continue striving for excellence within the music program.

Mr. O’Connell is a graduate of Central Michigan University, where he earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education. While at CMU, he played tuba and bass trombone in various ensembles, including the Chippewa Marching Band, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, 6th Man Band, Jazz Lab 1, and the Eccentrico Brass Quintet. Performing with these groups allowed him to travel to Florida, Ohio, Illinois, Washington, and Idaho, as well as to several school districts across Michigan.

Before joining Meridian, Mr. O’Connell led both 8th Grade Band and High School Concert Bands to superior ratings at the Michigan School Band & Orchestra Association (MSBOA) District Band and Orchestra Festival. He also created a jazz band, which he directed to excellent ratings at the MSBOA State Jazz Festival. This group also attended the CMU Jazz Festival, with several students receiving honors for best soloists. Mr. O’Connell was named the 2024–2025 VFW Post 3701 Teacher of the Year and served as a Director for the MSBOA District 7 2025 Middle School Honors Band.

In his free time, Mr. O’Connell enjoys playing several instruments, watching football, playing miniature golf, and spending time with friends and family.