Emily Kelly is a guitar student of Billy Lee Janey. Billy nominated Emily for Musician of the Month because Emily works hard, practices, and is always prepared. He says she will be an exceptional musician, and will be successful in a band.
Emily is a 7th grader at McKinley Middle School in Cedar Rapids. She has been studying with Billy for 8 months. She also plays alto saxophone. Her advice to other musicians is to practice! It’s one of the most important things to do. Practice doesn’t make perfect, practice makes permanent. Make sure you understand your lesson and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Practice the way you would play in front of other people.
Emily loves music because it helps to get her emotions out. There are so many different types of music that explain emotions. She thinks that is amazing.
She is in a punk cover band called Finding the Twins. She is also in jazz band and the classic edition band. Some of her favorite bands include: Black Veil Brides, Escape the Fate, Falling in Reverse, Pierce the Veil, Sleeping with Sirens, Bring Me the Horizon, Of Mice and Men, and Foo Fighters.
In her spare time, Emily enjoys basketball, volleyball, drawing, and writing.
Something you might not know about Emily is that she plays four instruments!
Congratulations, Emily! Keep up the good work!
Aaron Hansen is an experienced K-6 General Music educator, passionate about bringing music to life through the Orff Approach. He holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Northern Iowa. Aaron has completed comprehensive Orff Teacher Training, including three levels at the University of St. Thomas and an Orff Master Class. His dedication to the Orff method took him to the Summer International Course at the Orff Institute in Salzburg, Austria. Aaron also shares his expertise by teaching movement at various Orff Teacher Training Courses and conducting workshops for local Orff Chapters.
