Kelly Damann is a music educator, professional musician, and composer/lyricist from Mascoutah, Illinois. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education with an Instrumental and Vocal Emphasis from McKendree University, is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Music Education from the University of Missouri - Kansas City Conservatory, and currently serves as the 5th-12th Grade Band and Choir Director for Illini Central Middle and High School in Mason City, Illinois. Kelly is actively involved in the Greater St. Louis area's music and theatre communities, and has performed in the pit orchestra for dozens of productions. When not performing in concert band settings, pit orchestras, dueling piano gigs, and other freelance work he often serves as an educator, panelist, and clinician. Highlights of his performance career include winning the 2017 McKendree University Concerto Competition, three separate hour-long recitals, and performing with Grammy-winning artists Christine Brewer and Third Coast Percussion. Kelly is a Golden Apple Scholar, a participant in ILMEA’s 2022 Emerging Leaders Conference for leading Pre-Service and Early Career Educators, and was recognized for Meritorious Service in the category of Early Career Educator by the Illinois State Board of Education in 2023.   kdamannmusic@gmail.com