Music has been a big part of Kevin’s life since he was in the fourth grade playing the St. Celestine Grade School Symphonic Band under the direction of the late John Badsing. He has been studying classical percussion and drumset for 12 years under the direction of Kevin Carroll, Gil Alexander, Todd Waters, and Bob Rummage. Throughout grade school, high school, and college he played percussion in numerous musicals at his high school, college, and church. Some of these musicals include “West Side Story” and “Chicago.” Kevin graduated from St. Patrick High School and music was a huge part of his high school experience. It was a great experience where he could express his talents through music and have a great time doing it. He was under the direction of Kevin Carroll, his biggest mentor through high school. During his junior year, he made it to District for percussion at IMEA and also won the Outstanding Soloist Award for solo vibraphone at the UNC Greeley Jazz Festival in Colorado. After high school, Kevin attended Elmhurst College studying classical percussion and drumset. He majored in Music Education and Music Performance, while playing in a number of ensembles including jazz combos, percussion ensemble, vocal jazz groups, and concert bands. Throughout his musical journey, he has attended many clinics led by Grammy award-winning musicians such as Paul Wertico and the Manhattan Transfer. His musical influences include jazz, Latin, jazz fusion, rock and classical. Kevin believes that music plays an essential role in a student’s education, helping them grow both mentally and emotionally so that they can succeed in their careers.
