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.

Kelly at the Hunter Museum
2006