ENS Geordie F. O. Kelly
Concert/Ceremonial Department Head
Adminstrative Officer
Associate Conductor

Ensign Geordie Kelly spent part of his youth traveling the world as a member of a military family, but considers Long Island, N.Y., his home. The son of a U.S. Air Force non-commissioned officer, he spent time living throughout the United States and abroad. He earned his bachelor’s degree in music theory/composition from East Carolina University in 1994 and his master’s degree in music theory (jazz emphasis) from the University of Kentucky in 1997. He also studied jazz guitar privately with Jimmy Bruno at his Philadelphia studio.

In July 1997, he entered the Navy, and upon completion of recruit training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill., he reported to the Armed Forces School of Music onboard Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Norfolk, Va. An accelerated graduate, he reported in December 1997 to Navy Band Great Lakes to serve as guitar instrumentalist in the jazz ensemble and contemporary ensemble “Horizon”. In 1999, he transferred to Navy Band Sixth Fleet in Naples, Italy, where he served as the unit leader for contemporary entertainment ensemble and protocol jazz combo “The Navigators.” In 2003 he reported to the Armed Forces School of Music to teach jazz improvisation, jazz/rock combo performance and big band performance techniques. During his first six months onboard, he attained his Master Training Specialist (MTS) designation and served as the command MTS coordinator. Next, he attended the Senior Musician Course (SMC) in 2005, and during this course, Ensign Kelly was selected for promotion to chief petty officer. Upon graduation from the SMC in 2006, he returned for a second tour of instructor duty serving as guitar instructor and head of the Rhythm Branch, as well as interim head of the Instrumental Division. In 2007 he received orders to Navy Band Northwest where he served as leading chief petty officer, operations chief, and ceremonial band conductor. Later in that tour, he was selected for commissioning as a limited duty officer bandmaster.

Ensign Kelly’s awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four awards), Meritorious Unit Commendation (one award) and others.