Hailing from Modesto, California, Keelan Tobia has made a name for himself as a multi-faceted drummer and performer. From 2009-2012, Keelan honed his virtuosity on the marching snare drum as a member of the Blue Devils Drum & Bugle Corps, where he earned a total of three gold medals in Drum Corps International's World Class I&E snare solo (2011, 2012) and percussion ensemble (2012) competitions. Additionally, he garnered three undefeated DCI World Championships and contributed to the corps' 11th (2009, BD’s first undefeated drum title) and 12th (2012) drum titles.

He then took the marching snare drum to new avenues – performing with artists such as Kanye West, BTS, Migos, Pharrell, 2Chainz, The San Francisco Symphony, among others. On the drum set, Keelan has backed musicians such as Ernie Bucio, Mic Gillette (Tower of Power), Jon Faddis (Lionel Hampton’s Big Band, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, Dizzy's United Nation Orchestra), Tony-winning actress, Carol Channing (GRAMMY Hall of Fame recipient, Hello, Dolly!) and more.

Keelan currently drums at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. He aims to inspire younger drummers as a snare drum clinician, and by cultivating sounds from his marching percussion and drum set background.

Keelan proudly endorses Vic Firth drumsticks, Zildjian cymbals, Prologix Percussion practice pads, and Pearl/Adams percussion.

All photos were taken by Nathan Ninomiya.