KELLEN KO
B.M. Performance and Music Education, Class of 2024
Based in both Ithaca, NY and Portland, OR, Kellen is a fourth-year Music Education and Flute Performance double major at Ithaca College. Kellen is apprenticing at Cayuga Music Shop studying flute repair and maintenance under Gary McCheyne. A flexible and adventurous performer, Kellen crafts musical moments that highlight the vibrant spectrum of human experiences. They have held full solo recitals and performed in several masterclasses, including a recent piccolo masterclass with Master Sgt. Megan Ensor, Principal Piccolo of the US Air Force Concert Band. In 2023, Kellen attended Aria International Music Academy through a scholarship from the Mu Phi Epsilon Foundation. In 2022, they attended Pierrot Chamber Music Festival (formerly LIU Post) on a full-tuition fellowship, receiving awards for Outstanding Woodwind and Outstanding Chamber Performance. Kellen won the 2020 Rose City Pride Band's Young Artist Concerto Competition and received 1st place at the 2020 OSAA District XV Solo Festival out of 22 other flutists. This year, they will perform on various flutes in Contemporary Chamber Ensemble. Kellen has performed in many roles in Ithaca College during their studies, including Principal Piccolo in the Wind Ensemble, Alto/Bass Flute in the Flute Ensemble, and Flute/Saxophone in the Jazz Lab Band. As an educator, Kellen has worked with both beginner and intermediate flute players. They have freelanced in several Portland area schools, working with middle and high schoolers on solo and ensemble flute skills. They currently teach private flute lessons in the Ithaca area. Kellen believes in a student-centered approach to teaching, integrating music, student interests, and socio-emotional development to help students develop as musicians, students, and people. In addition to private lessons, they will conduct the Ithaca College Flute Ensemble for its 2023-24 season. Kellen's professional affiliations include Mu Phi Epsilon, the National Flute Association, and Pi Kappa Lambda Musical Honors Society. Kellen currently studies with Prof. Allison Parramore, and has previously studied with Dr. Wendy Mehne and Corrie Cook.
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Flute instagram: @kkflutie
