A Music Medal of Honor for Mark Kelly

The Medal of Honor is the highest award given to a distinguished music educator. “

Mark has been continually active and involved in music education, even after he retired,” according to Midwest Clinic Executive Director Kelly Jocius. “His involvement in Ohio and the whole country, and his consistent support for others, made him a good candidate (for the honor).”

During his 28-year career at BGSU, Kelly regularly made appearances with the University’s Symphonic Band on state, regional and national conference stages. The University and the music community have recognized Kelly’s contributions to music education on many occasions.

The BGSU chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honor society named Kelly the BGSU Faculty Man of the Year in 1972. He also received the Distinguished Teacher Award in 1978; the Edwin Franko Goldman Award, given by the American School Band Directors Association for outstanding contributions to the advancement of school bands, in 1981; and the Undergraduate Student Government Faculty Excellence Award, presented by the College of Musical Arts for outstanding contributions to BGSU in teaching, research and service.

In 1994, BGSU presented Kelly with the Pro Musica Award for Exceptional Service to Students. The Ohio Music Educators Association also recognized Kelly in 1995, as the Outstanding Music Educator of the Year. Upon his retirement from the University, the BGSU Board of Trustees named the instrumental rehearsal hall in the Moore Musical Arts Center for him.

Over the years, Kelly has been active in the Ohio Music Educators Association, Music Educators National Conference, College Band Directors National Association, Omicron Delta Kappa, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia music fraternity, Phi Beta Mu national bandmasters fraternity and Kappa Kappa Psi band service fraternity.

Kelly started his music career in Iowa. After graduating from the University of Iowa with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees, he began his teaching career at Centerville High School in Iowa. He directed instrumental music there for 13 years. During that time, the band received invitations to appear at the Midwest National Band Clinic in Chicago in 1957 and 1963.

A graduate assistant director of bands with Frederick C. Ebbs at the University of Iowa for one year, he also chaired band affairs for the Iowa Music Educators Association for eight years. As chair he was responsible for the organization and administration of the Iowa All-State Band.

Kelly came to BGSU in 1966 and retired in 1994. He continued to teach until 1996 as part of the University’s Supplemental Retirement Program.

(Posted December 09, 2003 )