Kirby Fellis

Trombone | Bartlett, IL

Kirby Fellis is a Chicago-based jazz trombonist, composer, and educator whose artistry bridges tradition and innovation. A South Florida native, he has spent more than a decade performing alongside some of the most celebrated musicians in jazz and beyond.

Fellis holds a B.M. in Jazz Studies from Michigan State University and an M.M. in Jazz Studies from Northern Illinois University, where he studied under trombone luminaries Tom Garling, Michael Dease, and Andre Hayward. His versatility and technical command on the horn have earned him recognition from Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Illinois Music Education Association, Jazz Aspen Snowmass, the Detroit Jazz Festival, the Chicago Jazz Festival, and many others.

As a performer, Fellis has appeared with icons such as Darius Rucker, Common, Kurt Elling, Nate Smith, Sean Jones, Terrell Stafford, Rodney Whitaker, and Jennifer Hudson. His work with ensembles like the Danny Jonokuchi Big Band, Derek Gardner and the Jazz Prophets, IRIS, Chicago Philharmonic, The Tom Garling Jazz Orchestra and the legendary Count Basie Orchestra has solidified his reputation as one of Chicago’s most sought-after trombonists, regularly touring and recording across the country.

An equally passionate educator, Fellis is a committed member of the Jazz Education Network (JEN), the International Trombone Association (ITA), Birch Creek Music Performance Center, and the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra’s jazz program. Guided by master educators Rodney Whitaker, Ron Carter, Reggie Thomas, and Christopher Dorsey, he has crafted a teaching philosophy rooted in mentorship, versatility, and lifelong musicianship. Fellis brings this approach to clinics, masterclasses, adjudication, and consultations nationwide.

Fellis currently serves as full-time tenure track music faculty at Harper College, while also teaching jazz trombone at the Northern Illinois University. Whether on stage or in the classroom, his mission is to inspire the next generation of musicians while advancing the rich legacy of jazz.