Paul Keesling is a senior at USF finishing his Bachelor’s degree in percussion performance. As a classical percussionist, Paul is currently the principal timpanist with the St.Petersburg Opera who just produced Carmen and will perform Rigoletto in January. He has participated in numerous Orchestra festivals around the world including Eastern Music Festival and the Classical Music Festival in Eisenstadt, Austria who performed for the 200th anniversary of Haydn’s passing.

As a jazz percussionist, Paul has had the great opportunity to perform with the USF Jazz Ensemble I who have hosted artists such as Bobby Floyd, Mark Taylor, Conrad Herwig, Jon Metzger and many others. His mentor and drum set teacher is Steve Davis and he has taken lessons from vibraphonists Stefon Harris, Jon Metzger and local vibes man Sam Koppelman. After his time at USF Paul plans to pursue a Masters Degree in Music at a location still undecided however some of his other goals include: playing timpani with the MET Opera in New York, forming his own jazz group on vibraphone and teaching at the collegiate level. Paul is honored to be a part of this group and is looking forward to making some great music!