Kelly II ’18 Receives Mayor’s Excellence Award

The Drum Orpheum Rehearsal Hall, a venue established by Instructional Assistant and Dance Accompanist (Percussion) Daniel “D.K.” Kelly II ’18 (Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies), was awarded the Mayor’s Excellence Award from the city of Winchester on Jan. 9, at Rouss City Hall. This local rehearsal hall was opened by Kelly in 2023 and is part of M.E. Opus, a music and entertainment company based in Winchester, Virginia. The Mayor’s Excellence Award was created to recognize and honor individuals, businesses, groups or organizations whose efforts in the community have showcased the city of Winchester as a great place to be; helped others in the community without hesitation; made contributions or shown commitment to the betterment of the community; thought outside the box in response to societal needs; etc.

Kelly will also be promoted to sergeant (E5) from specialist (4) in the United States Army Virginia Army National Guard, 29th Infantry Division Band, on Jan. 21.