Kelly Bryant

Kelly Bryant headshot, 2017

Kelly Bryant is a distinguished flutist and dedicated educator with a career spanning over three decades. 

Bryant's musical journey began at the University of South Carolina, where she earned a Bachelor of Music (1991) and a Master of Music (1993) in Flute Performance under the tutelage of Dr. Constance Lane. During her undergraduate studies, she was awarded the Arthur M. Fraser Award, recognizing her as the most outstanding student in the music performance degree program. During her college years, she held positions with the Augusta Symphony, South Carolina Philharmonic, and Columbia Lyric Opera. She honed her craft further through summer studies at the Brevard Music Center and Tanglewood Music Festival, where she studied with renowned flutists Eric Hoover, Leone Buyse, and Doriot Dwyer. 

For 28 years, Bryant has been a vital member of the Atlanta Opera Orchestra, holding the position of 2nd flute/piccolo. She regularly performs as a guest flutist to several other orchestras, including the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Georgia Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Ballet Orchestra, Greenville Symphony, and Chattanooga Symphony. She has been a featured soloist  at the Georgia Music Educators In-Service Conference, Troy State University Honor Band Clinic, All-South Honor Band and Conductors Symposium, and the National Flute Convention. 

Bryant's commitment to music education is evident in her long-standing teaching career. She currently serves as Artist in Residence in Flute at Kennesaw State University (since 2017) and Artist Affiliate in Flute at Reinhardt University (since 2008). Prior to these appointments, she held faculty positions at Clayton College and State University and the University of Georgia. Her expertise is also highly sought after throughout the southeast, where she is a frequent clinician and masterclass instructor. 

Beyond her performance and teaching roles, Bryant is an active leader in the music community. She served for 9 years as a Board Member of the Atlanta Federation of Musicians;  President of the Atlanta Flute Club; and President, Union Steward, and ROPA Delegate for the Atlanta Opera Orchestra Players Association. Her dedication to fostering talent is further demonstrated through her service as a jury member for numerous competitions, including the Enkor International Competition, National Flute Association Young Artist Competition, Atlanta Flute Club Young Artist Competition, Atlanta Flute Club Carl Hall Piccolo Competition, Music Teachers National Association Woodwind and Chamber Music Competitions (National), and the Georgia Music Teachers Association Competition.

Kelly is married to Dr. Kerry Bryant, Conductor and Coordinator of Instrumental Activities at Reinhardt University. They have 2 adult children, Jack- who is Acting 3rd/Utility Horn with the San Francisco Symphony, and Helen- who is working on a post Masters in Piano Performance at the University of Montreal.

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