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Lt. j.g. 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, and concert band conducting
with Frank Battisti, Charles Peltz, and Bill Drury at the New
England Conservatory.
In July 1997, he entered the Navy, and upon completion of recruit
training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill., he
reported to the Armed Forces School of Music in 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. Within his first
six months on board, 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, 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, Rhythm
Branch, as well as interim Head, 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 (LDO) bandmaster. Upon completion of LDO/CWO
Indoctrination School, he reported to U.S. Navy Band, Washington,
D.C. and served as associate conductor, jazz guitar instrumentalist,
the Department Head of the concert/ceremonial bands, and then later
in that same tour, Department Head of the specialty groups. He is
currently the Fleet Bandmaster of the Seventh Fleet Band, forward
deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, and embarked on board the United States
SEVENTH Fleet flagship, USS BLUE RIDGE.
Kelly’s awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal
(four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four
awards), Meritorious Unit Commendation (one award), and others. |
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