Meet The Director
Meet Mr. Kelly
Mr. Kelly is going into his 8th year teaching here in The Dalles. Prior to his time in TD, he spent 2 years at Portland Community College, before transferring to University of Oregon where he studied Saxophone Performance for 3 years. Afterwards, he transferred to Portland State University where he studied Music Education. Following his time at PSU, he took his first teaching job down in Maupin, teaching K-12 music to South Wasco County for 2 years before joining North Wasco. During the COVID distance learning, he completed his Master's in Teaching through George Fox University.
Mr. Kelly tries to engage with the community where possible. Working closely with local businesses, organizations, and events to provide opportunities for students, including being an active board member of our North Wasco Education Foundation, along with performing regularly with local groups and musicians such as CGOA's Jazz Collective. He is also an active member in groups outside the Columbia Gorge, representing The Dalles in Oregon Music Education Association's Small/Rural School group and participating in OMEA's advocacy committee.
"Every year I've been in The Dalles, I find both the students and the community pushing for more in the best way possible. The support we get from our admin, community, family, and friends, has helped grow the program tremendously. I'm excited to see how far we can go, while striving for a balance of appreciating music, performing to a high standard, and giving back to the community."