Kirby Fellis is a captivating Chicago based jazz trombonist, educator, arranger, and composer. Kirby holds an undergraduate degree in jazz studies from Michigan State University, and a master’s degree in jazz studies from Northern Illinois University. Hailing from South Florida, Kirby has been working with award winning jazz musicians for over a decade including positions in Florida, Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana. Kirby has also studied under some of the most renowned trombone virtuosos of our time including Tom Garling, Michael Dease, and Andre Hayward to name a few.
As a Trombonist, He has received awards from organizations such as Jazz at Lincoln Center, Gold Coast Jazz Society, Jazz Aspen Snowmass, DePauw Jazz Festival, Chicago Jazz Festival, and Jack Rudin Jazz Festival. He has also worked with many award-winning individuals and ensembles such as Darius Rucker, Russell Malone, Kurt Elling, Nate Smith, Sean Jones, Dana Hall, Jennifer Hudson, Clark Sommers, Rodney Whitaker, The Tom Garling Jazz Orchestra, the Legendary Count Basie Orchestra. Kirby has become a highly in demand Jazz trombonist in Chicago and throughout the country.
As a Jazz Educator, Kirby is a long-standing member of JEN (Jazz education Network, ITA (International Trombone Association), Birch Creek Music and CYSO (Chicago Youth Symphony Jazz Orchestra). Under the tutelage of distinguished jazz educators and Trombonists, such as Rodney Whitaker, Tom Garling, Ido Meshulam, Michael DeReggie Thomas, and Christopher Dorsey, Kirby has become a versatile educator, through clinics, masterclasses, consultations, and adjudication. From over a decade of educational experience, Kirby has developed a deeply rich teaching philosophy. Kirby currently serves as the Jazz Ensemble Director of Harper College.