Kelso Daning
Co-Director of Bands
Mr. Daning earned his Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Saint Joseph’s College in 2013, and is currently working on a Master’s Degree in Music Education from Ball State University. He spent 4 years teaching band in Rensselaer, returning the program to Gold Ratings in concert band and State Finalists in Marching Band for the first time in over 17 years. Mr. Daning then spent 4 years at Twin Lakes High School, and during that time led the marching band to ISSMA State Finals, led the Middle School Bands to 4 consecutive ISSMA All-Music Awards, and led the Percussion Ensemble to a State Championship (PSCA Class) in 2021. He arrived to West Lafayette in 2021 and is working to continue a long-standing tradition of excellence. Mr. Daning lives in Lafayette with his wife and 2 boys, and has a 3rd son expected in August of this year. He enjoys all things Star Wars, Notre Dame Football, and NCAA Basketball.
Connor Granlund
Co-Director of Bands
Mr. Granlund earned his undergraduate degree in music education from Ball State University in May of 2024. During his time at Ball State, he was a Presidential Scholar, Young Artist Award Recipient, and recipient of the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. As a trombone player, Mr. Granlund was a member of numerous performing ensembles including the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble I, and Marching Band and served as the principal player/section leader in all three of these ensembles.
His teaching experience includes serving as an instructor for middle school band camps in Washington Township and Zionsville Community Schools, and working on staff for the Fishers High School Marching Tiger Band and Carmel High School Marching Greyhounds. Mr. Granlund completed his student teaching experience at Carmel HS, where he worked with over 500 students every day in all aspects of the program. Connor is married to his wife, Avery, who serves as a band director at Tecumseh Junior High School in Lafayette.