Performer Details
Performer Bio Synopsis
The Owasso Saxophone Ensemble was founded in 2014 under the direction of Shawn O’Kelley. The Owasso Saxophone Ensemble is a chamber ensemble offering the opportunity for students to perform compositions written or arranged specifically for the family of saxophone instruments. Students are also members of the Owasso Band program.
Students begin their instrument training in the sixth grade. All sixth grade students attend the Owasso Sixth Grade Center and participate in daily, homogeneous classes. Students begin training on flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, or percussion. Students then audition for placement on saxophone and begin their studies at the start of the second semester. Saxophone students are highly engaged through participation in individual lessons, studio class, chamber music, and summer music camps. Membership in the saxophone ensemble is open to all students who show commitment to artistic and technical expression.
The Owasso Saxophone ensemble has performed at North American Saxophone Alliance Biennial Conventions in 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2023 and Regional Conventions in 2017, 2019, and 2021. The ensemble has performed with saxophone ensembles from Arizona State University, University of Arkansas, University of Central Michigan, Michigan State University, Oklahoma State University, University of Oklahoma, and Wichita State University. Collaborating performers include Professor Roy Allen, Dr. Christopher Creviston, Dr. Jeffrey Loeffert, Professor Joseph Lulloff, Professor John Nichol, Dr. Matthew Tracy, Dr. Eric Troiano, Veridian Quartet, and h2 Quartet. Collectively, Owasso Saxophone Ensemble and the University of Arkansas commissioned From Star Stuff by Dr. Kyle Landry in 2018.
Members of the Owasso Saxophone ensemble consistently earn placements in the North Central Directors Association Honor Band and Oklahoma All State Honor Ensembles and actively participate in Great Plains Saxophone Workshop, one of the largest saxophone chamber workshops in the United States.
Owasso Saxophone Ensemble
Conductor's Bio
Shawn O’Kelley started his teaching career in Greenbrier, Arkansas in 2001 following his graduation from the University of Arkansas. Since 2004, he has taught at Owasso Public Schools in Owasso, Oklahoma. He currently teaches the Owasso Symphonic Band I, eighth grade band, and beginning clarinet and saxophone classes. Mr. O'Kelley also serves as the woodwind caption head for the Pride of Owasso Marching Band and directs the Owasso Saxophone Ensemble. In 2007, Mr. O'Kelley was the recipient of the Phi Beta Mu Young Bandmaster Award for Oklahoma and conducted the Owasso Eighth Grade Symphonic Band at the Oklahoma Music Educators Association (OkMEA) annual convention. In 2018, he was recognized with an Exemplary Teacher Award from OkMEA.
Under his direction, Owasso Saxophone Ensemble members have performed at North American Saxophone Alliance biennial conventions in 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2023 and regional conventions in 2017, 2019, and 2021. Mr. O’Kelley also enjoys teaching an active schedule of private saxophone lessons, and his students frequently earn positions in the North Central Directors Association Region Bands and OkMEA All State Bands and Orchestra.
Mr. O’Kelley has served in a number of leadership roles including: OkMEA All State Band Chair (2017), OkMEA Band Vice President (2023-2025), and North American Saxophone Alliance Youth Engagement Officer (2021-2022). His professional affiliations include Oklahoma Music Educators Association, Phi Beta Mu, North American Saxophone Alliance, and faculty membership at the Great Plains Saxophone Workshop.
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