Shawn O'Kelley
Owasso,OK
Summary
Highly dynamic professional educator experienced in team development, process improvement, and collaborating beyond traditional barriers. Skilled in developing and implementing strategies to build on the music making experience for students. Passionate about increasing the accessibility of world class music experiences.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Director of Bands
Owasso Public Schools
Owasso, Oklahoma
2004 - Current
- High School Conductor, Symphonic Band 1 (2014-Present) and Symphonic Band 2 (2009-2014)
- Directed eighth grade band, developing foundational skills and preparing students for high school level performance
- Woodwind Music Caption Head for 255 member Pride of Owasso Marching Band
- Conducted Owasso Saxophone Ensemble, providing artistic direction and fostering musicianship since 2004
- Sixth Grade Beginning Classes in flute, clarinet, and saxophone
- Managed travel logistics for band program to facilitate successful events and performances.
Director of Bands
Greenbrier Public Schools
Greenbrier, Arkansas
01.2001 - 01.2004
- Led high school band program
- Coordinated band program operations, enhancing student engagement and performance
- Initiated acquisition of musical instruments, ensuring all band students had access to necessary equipment
Education
Bachelor of Music - Education
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, Arkansas08-2001
Skills
- Performance logistics
- Project management
- Strategic leadership
- Music education, wind pedagogy
- Team leadership
- Collaboration
- Analytical thinking
Accomplishments
- Owasso Symphonic Band 1 selected as performing group at Oklahoma Music Educators Association Winter Conference 2027
- Oklahoma Music Educators Association Winter Conference Session Presenter: "Rising Tides: Musical Growth through Chamber Music" 2026
- Owasso Saxophone Ensemble selected as performing group at North American Saxophone Alliance Conventions at various locations 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024
- Owasso Saxophone Ensemble selected as performing group at 77th Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, Chicago, IL 2023
- Pride of Owasso marching band selected as performing ensemble and division winner at Saint Patrick's Festival Parade, Dublin, Ireland 2014, 2023
- Pride of Owasso marching band selected as performing ensemble at Tournament of Roses Parade 2011, 2020
- Oklahoma Music Educators Association Young Teacher Workshop Session Presenter: "From Surviving to Thriving in First Year Teaching" 2019
- Performing member of Arkansas Saxophone Ensemble at World Saxophone Congress, Zagreb, Croatia 2018
- Recipient of Oklahoma Music Educators Association Exemplary Teacher Award 2018
- Performing member of Arkansas Saxophone Ensemble at World Saxophone Congress, Strasbourg, France 2015
- Owasso Eighth Grade Band selected as performing group at Oklahoma Music Educators Association Winter Convention 2007
- Recipient of Phi Beta Mu Beta Chapter Young Bandmaster Award 2007
Affiliations
North American Saxophone Alliance 2016-Current
- Youth Engagement Officer 2021-Current
Phi Beta Mu, Beta Chapter 2007-Present
- Vice President, Beta Chapter 2020-2024
Oklahoma Music Educators Association 2004-Current
- All State Band Clinician Committee Chair 2018-Current
- Vice President, Band Division 2023-2025
- All State Committee Member 2015-2018
Timeline
Director of Bands
Greenbrier Public Schools
01.2001 - 01.2004
Associate Director of Bands
Owasso Public Schools
2004 - Current
Bachelor of Music - Education
University of Arkansas
Other Professional Teaching Engagements
Great Plains Saxophone Workshop, Norman, OK, US 2016-Current
- Teaching faculty member
- Collaborative environment linking middle school, high school, and college students with prominent saxophone teachers and performers
- In 2026, attendees from over 20 states and 2 countries
University of Arkansas Summer Music Camp, Fayetteville, AR, US 1997-2024
- Orchestral sectional coach
- Ensemble conductor
Additional Engagements
- Travel Coordinator/Director: Personalized Tour of Switzerland crafted by Shawn O’Kelley, Zermatt/Wengen/Geveva, CH 2025
- Travel Director, Grueninger Music Tours: Tournament of Roses Parade, Pasadena, CA for University of Wyoming 2024
- Travel Director, Grueninger Music Tours: Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, New York, NY for American Band Directors Band 2023
- Travel Director, Grueninger Music Tours: Tournament of Roses Parade, Pasadena, CA for American Band Directors Band 2022