Kelly
started trombone in 5th grade, graduating from high school in Athens, Ga,
home of the University of Georgia, where he took lessons from Dr. Philip
Jameson, professor of low brass. Competition was intense as one of his
classmates was Steve Norrell, currently bass trombone with the New York
Metropolitan Opera, and Jerry Pagano, now with the St. Louis Symphony.
While in high school, Kelly audition and secured a position with the Air
Force Band from Warner Robbins Air Force Base, but changed his direction to
electronics and put the horn away for 25 years except for brief appearances
on Sunday mornings. After four years in the Air Force, Kelly headed back to
the University of Georgia and was accepted into Pharmacy School. While at
UGA, he sang for 2 years with the Men's Glee Club and learned to direct a
choir. This proved useful as he took over the music program at his
girlfriend's church and married her in 1979. Helen and choir directing
became major parts of his life for the next 25 years, until the voice
started going and he retired from his church position.
During his time at Chattanooga Valley Church of the Nazarene, he founded the
Chattanooga Valley Community Choir which at one time had 60 members from 17
different area churches. During their six year existence, Kelly produced 2
CD's with the choir and led in over 60 performances.
After retiring as worship leader in 2004, Kelly again picked up the horn and
joined the Praise Band, Tabernacle, and later Sweet Georgia Sound and also
Southern Trombone Choir at Southern University in Collegedale. He has been
lead trombone for "Annie" at Chattanooga Christian and bass bone with Ripple
Productions in "Nighthawks" and in "Two From Galilee". In 2006 he will
celebrate his 27th anniversary with Helen and thanks God for her and their
three children.
