Musician 1st Class Tyler Tolles is a native of Monterey, California. He earned a Doctor of Music in percussion performance from The Florida State University, where he also received a Master of Music in percussion performance and a Master of Music in jazz studies. He received his Bachelor of Music in percussion performance with a minor in music theory from the University of North Texas. His teachers and mentors include Christopher Deane, Mark Ford, Dr. Robert Schietroma, Ed Smith, Leon Anderson, Nick Finzer, Jake Nissly, and Dr. John W. Parks IV. 

Tolles held the positions of Principal Percussionist and Principal Timpanist with the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra from 2013-2018. He was involved with Drum Corps International performing and touring with the Santa Clara Vanguard Cadets and the Santa Clara Vanguard. He has performed internationally throughout Poland and Croatia, as well as a multitude of national festivals and conventions including the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, College Band Directors National Association Conference, Texas Music Educators Association Convention, Next Generation Jazz Festival, and the Monterey Jazz Festival. In 2013, he won the Downbeat Magazine Student Award for Best Latin Group with the UNT Latin Jazz Ensemble. Tolles has been featured and performed on a plethora of recordings. 

In 2018, Tolles began his military career by enlisting in the U.S. Air Force, serving for over three years as percussionist with the Air Force Band of the Golden West, Travis AFB, California. He performed and toured with the concert band, jazz ensembles, commercial pop & rock bands, brass quintet, and percussion ensemble.

In 2021, Tolles auditioned and was selected for assignment to the U.S. Naval Academy Band where he reported for duty to Annapolis following Veterans’ training at RTC Great Lakes. He performs with the marching band and ceremonial units, wind ensemble, brass ensemble, and Superintendent’s Combo. Tolles also serves the band’s Administrative Assistant.

Tolles’ awards include the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal.