Meet Kelly Goldberg: Acclaimed Music Educator and Conductor
Kelly (Bowton) Goldberg grew up on a farm in Central Illinois. During her childhood she developed a strong love for both animals and music. She studied piano, sang in choirs, and played in band during her school years. She earned both bachelors and masters degrees in music education from the University of Illinois – Urbana/Champaign.
Kelly was the director of bands at Springfield (IL) High School for 26 years where she directed the marching program, wind ensemble, concert band, jazz band, and pep band. Her concert and jazz bands received all superior ratings at the Illinois High Schools Association contests. The marching band had the honor of performing on Main Street USA at Disney World six times. Since Springfield is the state capital, the band was selected to perform for Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, for President George W. Bush’s visit to Springfield, and a Memorial Day Concert at the Lincoln Memorial Reflection Pool in Washington D.C. During her tenure at SHS, over 100 of her students were selected for the all-state bands.
Kelly held the position as fine arts department chair for 20 years at SHS. She supervised many student teachers and continues to mentor former students in their music education careers. She was an active member of the Illinois Music Education Association and a contributor to the publication Teaching Music. In the fall of 2019, Kelly was featured in the Illinois Music Educator magazine for excellence in teaching.
Kelly also served eight years in the 144th Illinois Army National Guard Band, attaining the rank of staff sergeant (E-6). Kelly also played with the 79th Army Band in Panama and the 26th Army in New York City. She filled various roles in the unit including principle bassoonist in the concert band and second chair alto sax in the jazz ensemble. She was awarded the Army Commendation for her service as the acting band master during her final year.
The Goldberg family moved to Auburndale in the summer of 2020. Currently, Kelly is an adjunct professor in at Polk State College and teaches Music Appreciation and Introduction to Humanities. Kelly also plays the bassoon in the Florida Philharmonia and was the drummer for two years in the Music Ambassadors. The family has two golden retrievers and four cats. Kelly also volunteers with the Golden Retriever Rescue of Central Florida.
