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CONTEMPO Ensemble

Golder O'Neill & Daniel Kelly II, directors

The CONTEMPO Ensemble is a contemporary student music ensemble composed of vocalists and instrumentalists from all musical backgrounds. Their mission is to educate, entertain and inspire as they use music for positive social change. CONTEMPO Ensemble’s repertoire represents a wide variety of styles and genres including popular music, soul, electronic, alternative, bluegrass, rhythm and blues, hip hop, country, and original compositions by ensemble members. Students, in the ensemble, also receive hands-on experience organizing and leading rehearsals, booking performances and tours, along with other leadership duties.

Meet the Directors

CONTEMPO Ensemble

Golder O'Neill

Golder O’Neill is a seasoned musician, audio engineer and educator with an extensive career spanning live performance, recording and teaching. He has performed alongside renowned guest artists such as Randy Brecker, Bob Berg, Carl Burnett, Rebecca Parris, Chris Vadala, and Zoro at Shenandoah University. His tours with the Shenandoah Conservatory Jazz Ensemble have taken him across China and Japan, as well as to prestigious jazz venues throughout the Washington Metropolitan area.  

Golder’s performance credits include iconic venues and festivals worldwide, such as the Blue Note in New York City, the Philippine International Jazz Festival in Manila, the Kennedy Center and Blues Alley in Washington, D.C., as well as international stages in Tokyo, Beijing, and Sweden’s Uppland International Jazz Festival.  

With more than twenty-five years of professional experience in recording and live sound reinforcement, Golder is the owner, manager, and chief engineer of Goldreel Studios in Winchester, Virginia. He has also worked as a recording engineer at Sound Loft Studio in Brookline, Massachusetts. A dedicated member of the Audio Engineering Society (AES) and The Recording Academy, he holds Avid Pro Tools certification and has completed courses in Avid Media Composer and Sibelius.  

As an educator, Golder has contributed to institutions such as the National Jazz Workshop in Winchester, Virginia, the CCM Vocal Pedagogy Institute at Shenandoah Conservatory, Shepherd College in West Virginia, the Contemporary Music Center in Chantilly, Virginia, Sound Labs in Falls Church, Virginia, and PAVAN (Performing and Visual Arts Northwest) in Winchester, Virginia.  

His expertise and passion for both performance and production have made him a respected figure in the jazz and audio engineering communities. 

CONTEMPO Touring Ensemble

Golder O'Neill

Daniel Kelly II is a highly accomplished and versatile drummer known for his rhythmic precision and dynamic playing style. With a career spanning over two decades, Daniel has solidified his place as one of the most sought-after rising drummers in the music industry.

Growing up in a musically inclined family, Daniel was exposed to a wide range of genres from a young age. This early exposure helped shape his unique approach to drumming, blending elements from jazz, rock, gospel, and world music to create his distinct sound.

Daniel’s incredible skill on the drums has allowed him to collaborate and perform with some of the biggest names in the industry. From touring with renowned bands to working with critically acclaimed artists, Daniel’s reputation as a reliable and versatile drummer has earned him widespread recognition.

Aside from being a skilled performer, Daniel is also a passionate educator and business owner. He has dedicated his time to teaching masterclasses and workshops, sharing his expertise with aspiring drummers, and building entities for artists to enhance and showcase their talents to the community.

As an artist, Daniel Kelly II continues to push the boundaries of what is possible on the instrument. His ability to seamlessly blend genres and his captivating stage presence make him a force to be reckoned with. Whether he’s playing in a stadium or a small club, Daniel’s energy and passion for music are always infectious, leaving audiences in awe of his talent.

Saxophone student performing with jazz ensemble

Shenandoah Conservatory Invites

Experience the excitement of Shenandoah Conservatory’s music programs!

SHENANDOAH CONSERVATORY INVITES provides instrumental high school students multiple opportunities each year to make music with Shenandoah faculty, students and ensembles. Musicians playing string, brass, woodwind and percussion instruments will find events enabling intensive study with Shenandoah’s world-class faculty and the opportunity to make music alongside current conservatory students. Each of these events take place on Shenandoah’s beautiful Winchester campus.

Audition Information

Shenandoah Conservatory is committed to providing exceptional opportunities for our students aligned with preparation for 21st century careers in the arts. Visit the Ensemble & Production Auditions webpage for the most up-to-date information about auditioning for our music, theatre and dance ensembles and productions.