Directors
Josh Bradford
jbradford@hps.k12.ar.us
Josh Bradford is entering his fifth year as Director of Bands for Harrison Public Schools. He is a graduate of Harrison High school and holds a Bachelor of Music Education with Summa cum Laude honors from Arkansas Tech University. Prior to returning to his hometown, he served as the middle school band director and assistant high school band director for Mena Public Schools (AR) for 6 years. The 2 years before that he served as band director, choir director, and music teacher for Alpena Public Schools (AR).
Mr. Bradford currently resides in Harrison with his wife, Kendra, and their three daughters, Emery, Linley, and Aria. They also have a Sheltie named Ellie. In his free time, Mr. Bradford enjoys spending time with family, fishing, reading, and playing disc golf, pickleball, and video games. He also enjoys cheering on his favorite sports teams: The Arkansas Razorbacks, Atlanta Braves, and Kansas City Chiefs.
Connor Skelly
cskelly@hps.k12.ar.us
Connor Skelly is from Van Buren, AR. He is a graduate of Arkansas Tech University with a Music Education Degree with Magna Cum Laude Honors. During his time at ATU he had many leadership opportunities that included Co-Drum Captain of the Arkansas Tech Band of Distinction, Arkansas Tech Band Camp Head Counselor, Percussion Assistant, and Arkansas Tech Concert Band Student Conductor, as well as being awarded the Dix Stallins Outstanding Bandsman Award by the ATU music department professors.
Mr. Skelly has worked with percussion sections and marching bands at Van Buren, Cabot, and Bentonville prior to his employment at Harrison. He completed 2 student teaching internships: One at Dover Middle School and the second at Bentonville High School.
Mr. Skelly is also an avid lover of Disney, so feel free to bring up any Disney topic (Marvel, Star Wars, etc.) for an in depth conversation.
Jess Crum
jcrum@hps.k12.ar.us
Jess Crum is from Stuttgart, AR. He is a recent graduate of Arkansas State University with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music education. As a graduate student at A-State the past 2 years, he has supported the band program through co-directing the Howler’s Pep Band and Concert Band ensembles as well as assisting with the Wind Ensemble and Sound of the Natural State Marching Band. Between degrees, he served 2 years as the band director, choir director, and elementary music teacher for Marked Tree School District (AR). Mr. Crum also plays tuba with local orchestras and music ensembles when his schedule allows him to do so.
Mr. Crum lives with his dog, Klein, and looks forward to sharing his passion of music with Harrison Public Schools and the rest of the community. In his free time, Mr. Crum enjoys watching the OKC Thunder on top of outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and disc golf.