This year’s fall concert by the Elmhurst College Music Department will be a musical tribute to Ross Kellan, a revered faculty member who was conductor of the Elmhurst College Symphonic Band, Music Department chair from 2009-2011, and chair of the Music Education Division. He passed away this summer.

James Hile will conduct the Wind Ensemble and Joseph Manfredo will conduct the Symphonic Band. The fall band concert will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 22, in Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel . Admission is free.

Professor Kellan dedicated his life to music education and inspired the entire College campus with his optimism and dedication to his students. The fall concert program features some of Professor Kellan’s favorite pieces for band, including Reed’s Armenian Dances, Barnes’ Symphony No. 3, Chance’s Variations on a Korean Folk Song, and more.

Students are looking forward to celebrating their professor’s life with his favorite music. “Professor Kellan had such a unique impact on each of his students. I will never forget the way he made me feel important,” a senior music education major said. “This concert is a perfect way to honor his memory.”

A junior music education student said, “Professor Kellan was a wonderful role model. I am thankful to have the opportunity to both honor and celebrate his life and service in the field of music.”

The Elmhurst College Music Department has established the Ross Kellan Memorial Scholarship Fund to provide an annual scholarship for a music education student. Donations may be sent to: Ross Kellan Scholarship Fund, Music Department, 190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst, IL 60126.