Granite Edvance Scholarship winner Aubrie Connelly: ‘I need to advocate for myself and find ways I can learn the best’

When Aubrie Connelly was five years old, she was diagnosed as being deaf in one ear. Her parents didn’t tell her. Nor did they share what the doctor warned them – that she would have significant trouble in school.  

Eventually, of course, Aubrie learned the truth. But not before she’d become a standout student and a talented clarinet player. Not before her deep love of music had taken root.  

“It would be kind of hard to think that you would be really good at music if you were deaf,” said Aubrie, a winner of a Granite Edvance Academic Excellence Scholarship and sophomore at Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts.  

But that’s exactly what happened. Along with a supportive family, Aubrie found a supportive community in the music department at her school. “I had a lot of amazing band directors over the years who really inspired me,” she said.  

In upper elementary school, the school band director ignited Aubrie’s passion for music. “She saw my potential and really pushed me,” she said.  

 Throughout middle school and high school, that passion continued to grow as Aubrie played in the school marching band, became a section leader, and took part in regional competitions and events. During her senior year, the band director who’d mentored her during elementary school took a job at the high school and became her band director once again.  

“It was a full circle moment in my life,” Aubrie said. “I would stay after school and talk with her. She played a big role in my college journey.” 

Now majoring in music education, Aubrie is playing in the symphonic band and orchestra at her school, and, as the only clarinet major last year, has already enjoyed a lot of solo opportunities. She’s also enjoying the friendships she’s made in her new music community.  

Aubrie still faces some challenges around her partial deafness but, just like when she was a child, she doesn’t let them hold her back. “I need to advocate for myself and find ways that I can learn the best and be successful,” she said.  

Her vision of success looks a lot like the role model she met while still learning her way around a clarinet. After graduation, she wants to become a middle school band director.