My HISTORY.

A captivating Chicago based, Jazz trombonist, educator, and composer. Kirby Fellis is insightful, passionate, & spontaneous, yet boisterous. His music is reflective of his Caribbean-American roots & embraces the essence of his life from the pain and sadness of losing his father at the age of four to the gratitude & passion of being able to perform at events such as Detroit Jazz Festival & Monterey Jazz Festival.

Hailing from South Florida, Kirby was introduced to Jazz by Melton Mustafa Jr. while attending Parkway Middle School of the Performing Arts. Then, under the mentorship of Mr. Christopher Dorsey during Kirby’s high school years at Dillard High School of the Performing Arts, Kirby experienced what he considers to be the most aggressive and strenuous high school music regime. Through chaperoned events organized by Mr. Dorsey, Kirby was provided the opportunity to network with many of his heroes such as Rodney Whitaker, Vincent Gardiner, and Wynton Marsalis- to name a few. Kirby further developed as a musician as a student at Michigan State University (MSU), where he obtained a Bachelors in Jazz Studies Degree in 2016, under the direction of Rodney Whitaker and Trombone virtuoso Michael Dease. At MSU he described some of his most memorable experiences, meeting jazz legends such as Antonio Hart, Rufus Reid, and Jimmy Cobb. Currently a Graduate Teaching Assistant & Masters student at Northern Illinois University (NIU),Kirby enjoys playing professionally with groups including Buddy Rich Big Band, Attack the Sound, The Blueshift Big Band, Chicago Youth Symphony Jazz Orchestra(CYSO),and NBT Funk Experience.Kirby has also played with many great artists ranging from Pharez Whitted, Brian Lynch,Terrell Stafford, Russell Hall,Rodney Whitaker, Tom “Bones” Malone ,Steve Wiest, Roland Barber,Lenard Simpson, Etienne Charles, Vincent Gardner, and Darius Rucker. At NIU, he studies under Professional Jazz trombonist Tom Garling , & world renowned Educator, and Piano virtuoso Reginald Thomas.

Kirby is determined to give back to the community that gave to him. He reflects on the traits instilled by his mother: sacrifice, discipline,& a dream big attitude. During his Studio and Masterclasses, his main focus is to build each student on and off the stage. Citing the fundamentals for his success, Kirby understands that it is not your talent level that will help you achieve success, but your discipline, and work ethic!