Kelsee Vandervall is a Chicago based freelancer, teacher and arranger. A typical day for this cellist ranges from recording sessions to touring with Broadway productions and artists!

Kelsee received a dual Master's of Music Degree in Cello Performance and Chamber Music at the University of Michigan in 2018, under the instruction of Anthony Elliott. There she was awarded a fellowship for her 2 years, having the opportunity to train with world-renown faculty and artists such as the Calidore and Takács string quartet.

Recent accolades include performing in Superbowl LX behind Coco Jones at Levi’s Stadium, and touring with Moulin Rouge! The Musical’s First North American National Tour for 4.5 years. Kelsee’s desire to play all styles has led her to perform with groups such as Chicago circus punk collective Mucca Pazza, rock band Classical Blast, electric string quintet Electric-5, synth chamber pop group Glad Rags, and on episodes of the FOX show Empire. Kelsee's freelancing career has led her to tour, record and perform with many artists, including Lizzo, J. Cole, KYGO, Michael Bublé, Jennifer Hudson, and others! 

Engaging with the community, Kelsee held the position as Music Director of the River Raisin Ragtime Revue (R4), a theater orchestra focused on showcasing the early American popular music in 2020 - 2021 until moving on to bigger ventures. She also was a Harmony Fellow with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra from 2018-2020, playing in the cello section and engaging in educational programs of their local schools. 

An alum of Columbia College Chicago, Kelsee earned a Bachelor’s of Music degree studying with Jill Kaeding and had the opportunity to perform with artists including; Paula Cole, Todd Rundgren, smooth jazz artist Brian Culbertson, gypsy jazz guitarist Samuel Strouk, Charlie Sexton, guitarist Kevin Eubanks and Darmon Meader. Previous teachers include Jocelyn Butler of the New Music School and Lincoln Smelser, faculty of Northern Illinois University & Wheaton College Conservatory of Music.

Kelsee has been playing the cello for over 20 years. Over those years she has been a private teacher to students ranging from grade school to high school, conducted student orchestras in her high school district’s summer camps and around Chicagoland.