Session Proposals

Shawn O’Kelley is a saxophonist who specializes in the excellence of teaching in public schools from grades six through twelve. He 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. Currently, as Associate Director he teaches Symphonic Band I, eighth grade band, and beginning clarinet and saxophone classes. Mr. O'Kelley also teaches music for the Pride of Owasso Marching Band and directs the Owasso Saxophone Ensemble. In 2007, he 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, 2023, 2024 and regional conventions in 2017, 2019, and 2021. The Owasso Saxophone Ensemble performed at the 77th Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in 2023. 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. A number of former students have also pursued careers in music as performers and teachers.

In addition to an active teaching schedule, Shawn has performed with the Arkansas Saxophones at World Saxophone Congress Conventions in Strasbourg, France, and Zagreb, Croatia. 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.

The finest music ensembles have great musicians, but how do you build individual musicianship and inspire students to intrinsically grow? This session explores the role and value of chamber music in your program. The presenter's personal experience with the development of the saxophone ensemble and quartets will highlight possible pathways to implementation and offer ideas for the introduction of chamber music into programs of all sizes. This session will also feature demonstration from the Owasso Saxophone Ensemble and saxophone quartets from the program.

• Band - Middle School
• Band - Secondary
• Orchestra - Middle School
• Orchestra - Secondary