Rodney Dorsey, Midwest Clinic Board Member, and Kelly Bell, Executive Director, break down best practices and general tips for applying to perform or present at future clinics. This session is a must-attend for any first-time applicants.
Rodney Dorsey
- Biographical Information
Dr. Rodney Dorsey is Professor of Music at the Florida State University College of Music where he conducts the FSU Wind Orchestra and guides the graduate wind conducting program. Dorsey comes to FSU from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music where he conducted the IU Wind Ensemble and taught graduate conducting courses. Prior to his tenure at the Jacobs School, Dorsey served on the faculties of the University of Oregon, University of Michigan, DePaul University and Northwestern University. He also gained extensive experience teaching in the public schools of Florida and Georgia. Dorsey studied conducting with Mallory Thompson, John P. Paynter, and James Croft. He was a clarinet student of Fred Ormand and Frank Kowalsky. During his conducting career, Dorsey has led performances at several prominent events including the American Bandmasters Association Convention, College Band Directors National Conference North/Northwest Regional Conference, and the Bands of America National Festival. He is active as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator in the United States. International engagements include Hungary, Canada, and Bulgaria. Dorsey’s commitment to community has been demonstrated by his participation on the board of directors for Music for All and the Midwest Clinic. He currently serves as the president of the Midwest Clinic. Other professional memberships include the College Band Directors National Association, National Association for Music Education, Florida Bandmasters Association, Kappa Kappa Psi, Tau Beta Sigma (honorary), Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. Dorsey is also an elected member of the American Bandmasters Association. Most recently Dorsey was named a Yamaha Master Educator.
Kelly Bell is the Executive Director for The Midwest Clinic, International Band and Orchestra Conference. Before joining the Midwest team in January 2020, Bell served as the Director of Educational Programs with Conn-Selmer’s Division of Education for seven years. During her tenure at Conn-Selmer, Bell oversaw the clinician and VIP programs as well as coordinated the annual educational conference, Conn-Selmer Institute. Bell began her career as a high school orchestra and guitar teacher in the Clark County School District in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was the Assistant Orchestra Director at Edward W. Clark High School from 2006 – 2009. In the fall of 2009, Bell took the position of Director of Orchestras at Basic High School in Henderson, NV. During her time at Basic, she served as Department Chair and helped grow the performing arts program from 400 students to over 1200 in four years. In 2010, Bell was awarded the Outstanding Young Educator of the Year award from the Nevada Music Educators Association. Bell received her Masters in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University and her Bachelors in Instrumental Music Education from Ball State University.