Kelly Ballard takes over in Damien Geter’s absence

By Graham O’Neill ‘20

In the absence of music teacher Damien Geter, Kelly Ballard is teaching Rock Band and Choir this year to keep the music program running alongside Mark Pritchard.

Kelly Ballard performing an original song. Courtesy of Carla Dyment

Going by many aliases including “The Kellster” and “Dr. Ballad,” Ballard has been making music since he was a teenager and has wide experience in music. 

“I started songwriting in high school when I was 16 or 17. I was into just about everything, but mainly rock and jazz,” he shared. 

Ballard graduated from Warner Pacific University with a degree in Music Theory and Composition, which led him to pursue his career in teaching collegiate and now high school music at Catlin Gabel School. Ballard also has a doctorate in Leadership from George Fox University.

Ballard has lived all over the place. 

“I was born in Colorado, but I lived in California from a young age until high school. I went to high school in Washington and have lived most of my adult life in Oregon,” he said.

Ballard has so far been enjoying his new academic home.

“It was perfect timing for me to move from college to high school [teaching]. Catlin feels like a really special place and I really love the vibe.”