Biography
A native of western Colorado, Kelly has lived and taught music in Texas, Colorado, and Arkansas. Kelly graduated from Abilene Christian University in 1993 with a vocal music education degree, where he studied voice with Julie Pruett. He taught middle and high school for two years before going to Baylor University to do master’s work. At Baylor he received his Master’s degree in choral conducting and studied voice with Jack Coldiron.
In 1997 he moved to Delta, Colorado where he taught vocal and instrumental music and founded the Grand Mesa Singers, which later became the Valley Symphony Chorus. While teaching in Colorado, he was the recipient of several awards for teaching, including the Boettcher Foundation Teacher Recognition Award. In 2004, Kelly moved to Searcy, Arkansas where he teaches voice and conducting at Harding University. He also enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters.
Kelly has sung throughout the United States with groups such as:
- The Robert Shaw Festival Singers
- The Pittsburgh Bach Choir
- The Kansas City Chorale
- Conspirare of Austin, Texas
- Santa Fe Desert Chorale
- The Abilene Opera Association
- The Valley Symphony Orchestra (Colorado)
- Western Slope Chamber Music Series (Colorado)
- Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra
Oratorio repertoire includes Handel’s Messiah, Mozart’s Requiem, Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy, and others. Opera roles performed include the title role in The Student Prince, Alfred in Die Fledermaus, and Remandado in Carmen.