Derek Kelly was born and raised in St. Louis, MO. and attended Missouri State University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management.
During his DCI/WGI marching career Derek was a marching member of Gateway Indoor (2012-2014) and The Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps (2013). He had the opportunity to learn the marching arts from Ralph Hardimon, Mike McIntosh, Sean Knuth, Brian Graham and many others. Derek was a member of the Missouri State PRIDE band drumline and also was a part of the percussion staff at MSU for 2 years. While studying at college Derek was a staff member for multiple high schools in the Springfield, MO. and St. Louis area.
Currently Derek resides in St. Louis, MO. and is a staff member at Francis Howell High School (PSA) in St. Charles, MO. He is also the current tenor technician for Gateway Percussion (PIW). Derek is proud to call himself an Innovative Percussion Artist.