Shea Kells-Murphy
Biography
Originally from Frisco, Texas, Shea Kells-Murphy received their undergraduate degree at the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University, where they studied with Haley Hoops, David Heyde, and Gregory Hustis. Shea then attended the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University under the tutelage of William VerMeulen, where they completed one year of their graduate degree before beginning with Sarasota Orchestra. Shea has served as fourth horn of Sarasota Orchestra since the 2024-2025 season.
Get to know Shea Kells-Murphy
First year with Sarasota Orchestra: 2024
Instrument: Shea plays on a Rauch double horn #358 made in 2008 by Daniel Rauch.
Education: Shea studied at the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University with Haley Hoops, David Heyde, and Gregory Hustis. Shea also studied at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University with William VerMeulen.
Career Highlights: Shea’s favorite career highlight so far would be performing Mahler’s Third Symphony with the Houston Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Juraj Valčuha.
Passions and Interests: Outside of music, Shea enjoys spending time with their cat, indoor rock climbing, and karaoke.
