Sammy Kestenholtz (CA)

Grammy nominated musician Sammy K 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 and led his own band to 6 consecutive Best Band Awards in the Down Beat Magazine international competition. 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 scores of national and international festivals, camps and competitions. He works with school districts around the US and Canada as a guest instructor for their Jazz and Rock Bands. He 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 include legends like Bob Hope, Englebert Humperdinck, Burt Bacharach, Bobby Vinton, the Platters, the Nelson Riddle Orchestra, the Mills Brothers, Dave Brubeck and the Ink Spots. Many artists utilize Sammy’s grooves for their recording and live projects. He has appeared on many television shows and films. Clients that have used his talents include: The Walt Disney Company, Ferrari, NBC, The Hal Leonard Publishing Company, Much Music Television, the Six Flags Corporation, Daimler-Chrysler, ABC, the International Toys for Tots campaign and CBS.