Originally from Raleigh, Mississippi, DC-based drummer and music educator Kelton Norris is known across the DC jazz scene for his “fiery and collaborative playing”. He began playing music in church at a young age and has been heavily focused on performance and education since middle school. Kelton has been a part of numerous recordings spanning across many styles of music. As a member of the EJB Quartet, Kelton is a winner of the the 2020 D.C. Prix, an international jazz competition presented by the D.C. Jazz Festival. Kelton received his undergraduate degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in Music Education and Masters in Jazz Performance from Northern Illinois University. While studying at the University of Southern Mississippi, Kelton began performing at New Orleans music venues such as Bourbon Band Stand and Famous Door. During his graduate studies, he was fortunate to continue gaining experience performing in the Chicago Jazz Orchestra, along side many notable musicians such as Hamiet Bluiett, and other well-known Chicago-based musicians such as Fareed Haque. Kelton is currently on staff at several institutions across DC, Maryland, and Virginia and maintains a full-time performance schedule, performing with many respected artists.