The Midwest Clinic Announces New Executive Director

Industry veteran Kelly Bryan plans to build on past organizational success, current momentum

WESTMONT, Ill. – The Midwest Clinic International Band, Orchestra and Music Conference today announced Kelly Bryan as the organization’s new Executive Director. Working closely with The Midwest Clinic’s Board of Directors, Bryan will oversee and coordinate all aspects and communications for the annual four-day music band and orchestra conference. The highly regarded event welcomes more than 18,000 attendees from all 50 states and more than 40 countries.

In her previous role as Director of Educational Programs for the Conn-Selmer Division of Education, Bryan managed marketing, master scheduling, budgeting, registration and logistics for the Conn-Selmer Institute, an annual conference featuring more than 450 music directors, clinicians, volunteers and vendors from around the world.

“Kelly possesses a diverse background and significant expertise in managing and growing world-class music programs and conferences,” said Richard C. Crain, board president for The Midwest Clinic. “After an extensive national search and consideration of several tremendous candidates, the Board felt she stood out as the best person to honor The Midwest Clinic’s storied tradition and lead our organization toward an even brighter future.”

While at Conn-Selmer, Bryan led a team responsible for innovating and executing six national educational outreach and professional development events. Concurrently, she coordinated various educational clinician programs with 140 clinicians presenting more than 500 clinics across the country each year. Bryan also supervised the Conn-Selmer VIP Program, which consists of 85 annual, one-day professional development events for secondary and collegiate instrumental directors and administrators.

“I’m honored to lead an organization that is selflessly giving to support a higher mission,” said Bryan. “I’ve had the opportunity to experience The Midwest Clinic through several different lenses. As an educator, I was able to cultivate relationships and professional growth that was extremely helpful as a young teacher. As an industry partner, I’ve seen how the organization operates with a crystal clear mission for delivering an impeccable experience for every person who attends. Additionally, I want to thank Conn-Selmer and cannot say enough about all they do to invest in the industry and community so near to my heart.”

Prior to joining Conn-Selmer, Bryan was Director of Orchestra at Basic High School in Henderson, Nev. Before that role, she served as Assistant Orchestra Director for Clark High School in Las Vegas. Bryan currently plays violin for both the Symphony of the Lakes in Warsaw, Ind. and the Elkhart County Symphony Orchestra in Elkhart, Ind., where she also serves as a board member.  

Bryan was named Outstanding New Teacher of the Year by the Nevada Music Educators Association in 2011 and Outstanding Future Music Educator by Indiana Music Educators Association in 2006. She received her Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University and Bachelor of Science in Instrumental and General Music Education from Ball State University.

“The Midwest Clinic sets the industry standard for world-class professional music education experiences,” said Bryan. “This year’s conference was another rousing success, and I plan to continue that tradition.”