Sean J. Kennedy

Sean J. Kennedy is a dynamic and versatile drummer, percussionist, composer, and educator whose career spans the worlds of jazz, classical, rock, and contemporary music. With a style that is both grounded in tradition and boldly innovative, Sean brings a distinctive voice to every performance and project he touches. Whether delivering high-energy live shows or shaping the next generation of musicians in the classroom, his impact is far-reaching and deeply respected.

Since 2004, Sean has served as the Principal Percussionist for the Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale, providing the rhythmic foundation for the internationally renowned ensemble. He is also the drummer for the Doc Severinsen Tribute Band and a core member of The Gardyn Jazz Orchestra, further showcasing his ability to move fluidly between genres and ensemble settings. Known for his electrifying stage presence, The Philadelphia Inquirer described his work as featuring “intense and sometimes far-out live performances,” capturing the adventurous spirit he brings to his craft.  And the late Dave Brubeck remarked, “Your drumming sounds like it should; it swings!”

Sean's performance résumé includes collaborations with some of the most celebrated names in music. He has performed with major orchestras such as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, and The Philly POPS! Orchestra, and has toured alongside global artists including Lindsey Stirling, Roger Daltrey of The Who, Evanescence, and Il Volo. His appearances on iconic stages—from Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall to Radio City Music Hall and the Kennedy Center—highlight the wide scope and caliber of his artistry. He has also appeared on national television, including a featured performance on Good Morning America live from Times Square.

As a recording artist and composer, Sean is the leader of The Sean J. Kennedy Quartet, with albums such as Road to Wailea (2004), Queen Anne’s Revenge (2007), and Hey! Where's My Tux?! (2013) receiving critical attention. His collaboration with jazz saxophone legend Bob Mintzer and rock drummer Liberty DeVitto exemplifies his genre-spanning creativity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sean founded The Rolling Buzzards Brigade, a groundbreaking virtual ensemble that blends traditional rudimental drumming with modern interpretation. The ensemble features some of the world’s leading percussionists, including Dame Evelyn Glennie, Clayton Cameron, Bernie Dresel, Neil Grover, and Nitzan Haroz. Their 2020 release The Downfall of Paris was praised for its inventive fusion of old and new drumming styles.

In addition to his performance career, Sean is a passionate educator. He is on faculty at Arcadia University and teaches in the Upper Dublin and Wissahickon School Districts. His dedication to music education extends nationally through his frequent appearances at leading industry events such as PASIC (Percussive Arts Society International Convention) and the NAMM GenNext Sessions. His TEDx Talk, “Happy Accidents: Drumming Up Serendipity,” offers a compelling look at the evolution and significance of the drum set in contemporary music.

Sean is also an accomplished author, having published a series of respected educational resources including Camp Jam: Rock Solid Drums and I Used to Play Drums, co-authored with Liberty DeVitto. His compositions have been featured in the Philadelphia Real Book, Vol. II, and he has contributed to various ensemble recordings, including with The Allentown Band and the Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale.

A recognized figure in the global percussion community, Sean is a Guinness World Record holder and serves as a committee member for the Percussive Arts Society Drum Set Committee as well as secretary of the PAS Pennsylvania chapter. He holds a Master of Music in Percussion Performance and a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from West Chester University, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Arts in Music, with a focus on jazz drum set, at William Carey University.

Sean proudly endorses Canopus Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth Drumsticks, Grover Pro Percussion, Evans Drumheads, Casio Keyboards, One Beat Better, RimRiserUSA, and The Drum Wallet—brands that reflect his commitment to quality and excellence in his craft.

With a rare combination of technical mastery, creative innovation, and a genuine passion for music and education, Sean J. Kennedy continues to inspire audiences, collaborators, and students alike across the globe.