Starting his Barbershop career in 1981, Mike Kelly is a second generation Bass (taking after his mother, Barbara, from the Elkridge Sweet Adelines). His first chorus, the Pine Barons of Cherry Hill, NJ won the District contest his first year in the hobby, followed by a fifth place win at the International contest in Detroit the next year.

Under the leadership of Kevin King, Mike polished his talents, and before long was directing performances and leading rehearsals. Mike also served as the bass section leader for the chorus throughout his membership. In 1996, he directed his chorus in a District competition when their director took ill.

After 12+ years of establishing friendships and harmonizing around the country, Mike thanked the Heart of Maryland chorus for giving him the chance and the encouragement to improve his directing talents. Now he works with the Bowie Knights of Harmony to re-map the future of the Mid-Atlantic District.

Mike has been a member of many quartets since his first, including 'Persuasion', 'Risky Business', 'Jeopardy', 'Casino' (which placed third at their first District competition eventually becoming District Champions in 1999), Wheelhouse (District Champs in 2002), and currently 'Direct Hit' (2006 Southern Division Champions).

Mike is a computer scientist working at UMBI in Baltimore to support his hobby. While performing as an extra back in 1986 in his mothers' show with Elkridge, he met another chorus member, Sally, who would later become his wife. Mike and Sally live in Laurel and have two children, Mark and Katie, both of which are on their way to a long singing career (whether they like it or not).

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