Kirk Gay is currently on the faculty of the University of Central Florida where he teaches applied percussion lessons, directs the UCF Steel Drum Ensemble-"Black Steel" and the UCF Marching Knights Drumline, and teaches classes in the music technology.



Kirk Gay obtained his bachelor's degree in percussion performance from Northern Illinois University. He later went on to study with Paul Yancich and Richard Weiner at The Cleveland Institute of Music where he received his master's degree.



Gay marched in Star of Indiana Drum & Bugle Corps from 1986 through 1989, where he was the 1989 DCI Timpani Individuals Champion and two-time DCM Timpani Individuals Champion. He has taught and written for many drum and bugle corps including The Crossmen, Phantom Regiment, Magic of Orlando, and The Yokohama Inspires from Japan. Gay was Arranger and Percussion Coordinator of the1996 DCI Champions, the Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps.



In 1998, Kirk Gay toured Europe with the New World Symphony under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas. He has performed with the Walt Disney World Orchestra, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, the Orlando Philharmonic, and currently is the Principal Percussionist with the Brevard Symphony Orchestra.