Ross Kellan

Ross began his career teaching in Decatur, IL. Most recently, he was Director of Music Education and Conductor of the Symphonic Band of Elmhurst College. Prior to going to Elmhurst in 2005, he was the chair of the music department and director of bands at Glenbard East High School, District 87, in Lombard, IL where he taught for 33 years. While he was at Glenbard East, the band was selected to perform for the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic with Dr. Harry Begian, the National Band Convention and the Illinois Music Educators Association State Convention. The Glenbard East Symphonic Band was selected three times as the Honor Band at the University of Illinois SuperState Festival in Urbana- Champaign. He was a guest conductor for the Illinois Music Educators Association All-State Band, I.M.E.A. Districts I, II, VIII and IX Bands, the All-Carolina Band Festival and the Eastern Illinois University Concert Band Festival. He was also a guest conductor for the University of Illinois Summer Music Camp (ISYM), Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp and The Eastern Illinois University Music Camp. In May of 2010, he received the President's Award for Excellence in Teaching at Elmhurst College. He was also the recipient of the Mary Hoffman Music Educator Award for teaching excellence from the Illinois Music Educators Association, and was voted to receive the John P. Paynter Music Educator Award from the Quinlan and Fabish Music Company.

He also enjoyed the honor of being Lombard's "Man of the Year." In 2011, he was inducted into Phi Beta Mu, the Band Directors Hall of Fame. He also was a member of the National Association for Music Educators. Illinois Music Education Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Omicron Delta Kappa, national leadership honor society. In 2012, the music wing at Glenbard East High School was also dedicated in his honor.

Ross was a devoted husband, father, brother, and member of Calvary Episcopal Church in Lombard. He never met a cup of coffee he didn't like and enthusiastically encouraged everyone he met to join him for a cup. Although a White Sox fan, he enjoyed rooting for all Chicago sports teams. He also enjoyed attending musical events of all kinds, particularly the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Next to his family, his greatest passion was working with young people.

Ross Kellan passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, June 4th, 2017, surrounded by family after valiantly fighting cancer for seven years. He is survived by his wife, Jeri; his daughter, Erin; brother, Kurt; and sister, Jayne.