Sammy Kestenholtz

Sammy KGrammy-nominated musician Sammy K (Kestenholtz) began his professional career at the age of 13 in Michigan.  While earning his degree in Political Science and Communications at Michigan State University and Western Michigan University, Sammy performed as a member of the multi-award-winning Michigan State University Spartan Marching Band, and the nationally recognized Spartan Drum Line.  He was selected as a member of the "All American College Band" at Disneyland, under the direction of the legendary Art Bartner, and led his own band to 3 consecutive Best Band Awards in the Down Beat Magazine international competition (6 total DB's).


During his tenure as the drummer for Michigan State University's Jazz Band I, Western Michigan University's Jazz Orchestra, and the premiere college vocal ensemble Gold Company, Sammy received numerous solo and best band awards at festivals and competitions.  He then became a Drummer in the United States Air Force Band of Flight where he performed in the Concert, Marching, Jazz and Rock Bands while traveling extensively in the US. 

 Sammy has been active as a Clinician and/or performer at the International Association of Jazz Educators International Conference, Brandon Jazz Festival, Indianapolis Jazz Festival, Montreux/Detroit Jazz Festival, Percussive Arts Society Invitational Marching Competition, North Dakota State University Jazz Festival, Notre Dame Jazz Festival, Aquinas College Jazz Festival, Spartan Invitational Marching Competition, Southwest Ohio Jazz Festival, Miami Valley Jazz Camp, Bands of America Marching Competition and the International Music Camp.

He works with school Districts around the US and Canada as a guest instructor for their Jazz and Rock Bands, and has been the Drum Line Instructor for multiple award winning high school programs.  He created the Groove Boot Camp program of intense Drum Set instruction and has been presenting that program to students and Educators in the US and Canada. 

Currently based in Los Angeles, Sammy K has performed and/or recorded with a list of artists that includes Bob Hope, The Coasters, Michael Orland (American Idol), Engelbert Humperdinck, Wes Anderson, Lucy Lawless, Burt Bacharach, The Stars of the Lawrence Welk Show, Jon Hendricks, Dennis Tufano (The Buckinghams), Jimmy Heath, Zara (Dire Straights, Bob Geldof), The Platters, Buselli/Wallarab Big Band, Bobby Vinton, The Nelson Riddle Orchestra, Steve Turre, The Mills Brothers, David Pomeranz, Travis Howard, Kate Miner, Dave Brubeck, The Ink Spots, The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra and Harry Connick Sr. Grammy winners Ray Bardani, Ted Perlman and Mike Acosta utilize Sammy's grooves for their recording and live projects.

He has appeared on the Emmy Award winning Wayne Brady Show, Ally McBeal with KC and the Sunshine Band and Josh Groban, Unsung Heroes on CMT and in the films The Fast and the Furious and The Spaces In Between: On The Road With Amy Cook.  The clients that have used his talents include the Walt Disney Company, Ferrari, NBC, Hal Leonard Company, Much Music Television, the Six Flags Corporation, Daimler-Chrysler, ABC, the International Toys for Tots campaign, and CBS.  In addition to his Drum Set career, Sammy is a Drum Circle Facilitator for both REMO and UpBeat Drum Circles.

He is co-creator of the body based percussion game/teaching tool Body Beat which is used internationally by recreational drummers and educators alike.  He also Co-Produced music used at the United Nations International Conference On Children, and the soundtracks for the stage shows The Winter Dance Party and Buddy, Roy & Elvis.  Sammy is an Educator/Artist for REMO Drumheads, Drum Circle Facilitator, Zildjian Cymbals, and Yamaha Drums.

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