WELCOME TO THE STUDIO!

CLARINET, CONDUCTOR, COMPOSER

TONY KELLEY

Tony is a multi-instrumental musician from the small town of Harvard, Illinois who attends Columbia College Chicago as a Music Composition major. He focuses on clarinet performance, conducting, and composition.

2025-26 SEASON

[12/05/2025] Conductor, Harvard OCTAVE Sounds of the Season

BIOGRAPHY

Tony began his study of music at the age of 10 with clarinet lessons through the Harvard school district. Since his early teens, he has been in frequent demand as a collaborative musician. He has performed at and participated in several state-wide events including but not limited to the McHenry County Honor Band, Encore Wind Symphony, and Illinois Music Education Conference. Tony has been published in WorldStrides Magazine in recognition of his advancements in leadership and creative direction in the performing arts industry. He also received the Faculty Recognition Award for his work in music composition and direction from Columbia College Chicago where he will graduate with a degree in Music Composition (BMus). His talents have been recognized thanks to his notable private instructors including Dr. Bonnie Campbell (VanderCook College of Music) and Spencer Hile (Encore Music Academy). When he steps off the podium, he enjoys musical theater, clarinet and vocal performance, traveling, and of course, coffee!

PORTFOLIO

PAST ENGAGEMENTS

Harvard OCTAVE Artistic Director and Conductor, July 2023-Present
Harvard High School Choir, August 2022-Present
- - Jazz Choir, Tenor
  - Madrigal Choir, Tenor
  - Concert Choir, Baritone
  - Advanced Choir, Tenor
Harvard High School Band, August 2022-Present
- - Jazz Band, Tenor Saxophone
  - Concert Band, Clarinet
  - Symphonic Band, Percussion
  - Wind Ensemble, Clarinet
Harvard High School Drama, August 2022-Present
- - Play On, Saul Watson
  - Into the Woods, Jack
  - Blithe Spirit, Charles
  - Anything Goes, Moonface Martin
  - Mary Poppins, Admiral Boom
"The Session" Irish Band, Penny Whistle, June 2025-Present
Lake Geneva House of Music, Live Sound Technician, May 2024-July 2025
McHenry County Honor Band, Clarinet, January 2025
Encore Wind Symphony, Clarinet, May 2025

EDUCATION

Harvard High School, August 2022-Present
- - 12 Music Credits (8 instrumental, 2 vocal, 2 music theory)
  - Unweighted Cumulative GPA - 3.9007
Phantom Regiment Academy, June 2025
Illinois Music Education Association (Music Educator Seminar), January 2025
Envision National Leadership Conference, July 2022