Stephen Kevin Kelly, Dye Family Professor of Music, Emeritus, passed away on May 11, 2024.
Stephen began teaching in the music department at Carleton in 1974. He directed the early music ensemble Pro Musica, taught music history courses, and even took students to New York City as part of a series of jazz history courses. During his tenure at Carleton, Stephen served as co-chair of the music department for many years.
In 1999, Stephen was honored to be awarded the Dye Family Professor of Music endowed chair. From 1999–2004, Stephen also served Carleton as Dean for Budget and Planning. He returned to the classroom in 2004, continuing to teach until his retirement in 2011. Stephen felt he had the best job in the world, because he was able to share his love and enthusiasm for all types of music with his Carleton students and his friends over many decades.
A public memorial service will be held on June 16, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. in Skinner Memorial Chapel, 405 1st St. E., Northfield, with a reception immediately following in the Great Hall.
Comments
Professor Kelly was very precious to me during my time at Carleton. He was my advisor, and I was thrilled to play recorder duets with him as a recital at the M&D Concert Hall. I am sad at his passing.
Dear Peggy and Family, Professor Kelly was a supportive and encouraging mentor to me in the Carleton Music Department. I am so sorry to hear of his passing and I am thinking of his family.
I am saddened to hear this news. Professor Kelly was a wonderful teacher and a very kind man. He connected with his students. I loved his Medieval and Renaissance music history class. He will be missed!
Dear Peggy and family. Jane and I are deeply saddened by Steve's loss. He was such a courageous survivor for a long long time. We are full of admiration for both of you, and owe many debts of gratitude.
Dear Peggy,
I am thinking of you and the girls as you endure the pain of losing Steve.
He was a musical mentor for me, and even more, a true friend and source of support for me through my college years, and long after.
Sending you love, and hope for comfort in good memories from your life together.
I loved all the Music History I learned from Steve. His courses were among my favorite moments at Carleton. His legacy will live on in all the music lovers and learners he taught.
Dear Peggy and family,
How well I remember Steve's approach to teaching and the impact it had on me. His Music History classes have had an enduring impact on me and started me on the road to understanding classical music. He was a great teacher.
I also remember his comment on a paper in which I dared say I thought Beethoven was overrated: "So jaded at such a young age"! You and Steve were a welcoming young couple as faculty and I appreciated it.
May you find comfort in his memory and in the many people he touched through teaching.
History of Jazz was my favorite class at Carleton. Steve was so good at sharing history, anecdotes, and his trademark sense of humor that I looked forward to every class, even though it was early morning winter term of my senior year. I enjoyed my time so much with him that I did an independent study with him during spring term, turning my research into a ‘zine. Unlike much of the knowledge I acquired in college, I still use what I learned from Steve on a regular basis.
He will be remembered fondly every time I hear one of his favorite pieces of music.
I graduated in 1975. I was a member of Steve's first Pro Musica group, and we played together on recorders frequently, most notably as dual soloists in the Brandenburg Concerto #4 during a summer Carleton Music Festival directed by then-choir director Bill (?)(did I remember this right?) Wells. Steve was a great person, a wonderful musician, and an important influence during my years at Carleton. I have super-fond memories of him, including watching him play a tennis match with a doubles partner, who I think was Bill Bonner (but again, perhaps my memory is faulty). I think of him often, and will miss him going forward.
Class of '81 there were 8 majors that year! He is certainly one my influences in thinking that a career in music is a good idea! I think of him fondly, especially when I gaze upon my collection of music history texts!
Though I was neither a musician (nor particularly musically inclined), I loved Prof. Kelly’s history of jazz class. I still remember assignments like writing a paper on Straight No Chaser and admiring virtuosity by artists like Art Tatum and Bix Beiderbecke. Prof. Kelly’s way of sharing his passion and expertise was a perfect part of my liberal arts experience.
I have fond memories of Steve Kelly from my four years in Pro Musica, playing with him in the winds group and being conducted by him in our ensemble choir. He was full of helpful musical tips and funny anecdotes, and introduced me to many early composers. One of my favorite musical experiences was learning and performing Josquin des Prez' "Ave Maria" with Steve. During one performance, the ensemble was in especially fine form and harmonizing beautifully, causing many of us to smile as we realized what was happening, all in synch together in the center of a sublime experience. At the end, Steve whispered, "Thank you," to us. Thanks to you, Steve, for what you gave me and many other students.
Steve was a colleague, mentor and inspiration. Among the many responsibilities he held was that of Faculty Athletic Representative. His ability to identify, analyze and resolve issues facing student athletes was well respected within the MIAC. He was always able to create space in his busy schedule to lend a helping hand. We are all better for having known him.
It was Steve who first inspired me to embark on this musicological adventure that's enriched my life for decades. He was one of the greatest teachers I've had the pleasure of working with, and a great friend and supporter in my years since graduation. I miss him more than I can say.
Stephen was my private recorder teacher for a couple of trimesters in the 1970s. I owe my continuing hobby career in early music to him.