Mark Kelly

Mark Kelly served on the Midwest Band Clinic board for over 30 years, beginning in the 1980s and played a vital role in the growth and popularity of the clinic and its programs. He attended his first Midwest program in 1954 and recalled with great details watching Harry Begain’s school band perform. The event was a source of great inspiration and years later while involved with the Midwest Band Clinic; Mark became a friend of Mr. Begain (whose own interview took place the day before Mr. Kelly was interviewed at the Midwest Clinic).  As a schoolteacher in southern Iowa, he strongly believed that musical discipline was the key to his success, next to showing respect to his students to gain their respect.