2023-2024 Soloist Fall Mia Kelly

Cellist Mia Kelly, 17, is a senior at Sehome High School. Throughout her journey as a musician, Mia has participated in many music festivals and programs including Marrowstone Music Festival, Seattle Youth Symphony, WWU’s Chamber Days, Idyllwild Arts Academy, and more. A frequent participant in local and state-wide competitions, Mia has won top prizes in the Bellingham Symphony Concerto Competition, the Bellingham Music Club Competition, and the Regional Solo and Ensemble Contests in solo, chamber, and large group categories. Mia enjoys sharing her music with others; she has spent lots of time playing at retirement homes, churches, and for family and friends. In her free time, Mia enjoys cuddling with her cats and practicing taekwondo at her dojang. Mia credits her musical successes to her long-time cello teacher, Coral Marchant, her orchestra teacher, Kirstin Doud, her teacher Janet Steinberg, NSYS conductor Grant Donnellan, and her family and friends who have supported her journey as a cellist. Mia has been a member of North Sound Youth Symphony for the past nine years and is grateful that her journey at NSYS culminates with this opportunity.