Biography

Sean Kelley (b. 1979) is the Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois, where he directs the Chamber Players, Wind Orchestra, and Cardinal Athletic Band Program, which comprises the Cardinal Marching Band and two basketball bands. Additionally, he instructs courses in instrumental conducting and applied composition. In 2021, Sean founded The Naperville Winds, a professional-level wind band that has quickly garnered acclaim throughout Chicagoland. The Naperville Winds has released two albums, Beginnings and Distant Lands.

An Ohio native, Sean grew up in Fairborn, near Dayton. He earned degrees in music education from Wittenberg University (BME) and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (MM), and degrees in wind conducting from Wright State University (MM) and the University of Oklahoma (DMA). Prior to his graduate work, Sean served as Director of Bands for the Hillsboro and West Clermont school districts in Greater Cincinnati.

Dr. Kelley is an active composer, arranger, show designer, guest conductor, and clinician for high school bands throughout the Midwest. He has adjudicated music ensembles across the United States with the Central States Judges Association, and has served as Director of the Wright State University Concert Band, Assistant Director of the Cincinnati Junior Youth Wind Ensemble.