Every athlete dreams of that championship game. However when it comes to drumming, those outside of band do not realize that there is a championship for them too, and Justin Kauffman, sophomore, plans on reaching this drumming championship known as World Class.
At a young age, Kauffman was really intrigued by music making. “I liked making music in elementary and the drums appealed to me the most in middle school,” Kauffman said. As he began to grow up and learn more about drumming, he soon realized he really liked it and was good at it. However, he did not realize his skill level until 8th grade, where he made the highschool drumline before even reaching highschool. But Kauffman is not satisfied with that, as he now dreams of making the coveted World Class for drumming.
To non-musicians, the band seems overshadowed by football, but few people know of World Class, where the best of the best for the front and drumming go to compete to see who is the best at their instrument. In order to make World Class, the musicians must sign up for auditions, and those who show promise at auditions, make the World Class. And Kauffman has big goals to be the best of the best at drumming. “I plan on making it to World Class and going to World Class until I age out,” Kauffman said. Kauffman looks up to his role model, Andee Jones, and credits his hard work and passion for drumming to him. Jones is a World Class drummer himself, and there is no better inspiration to have than someone who has done what you aspire to do.
Although not as publicized as other sports and activities, drumming deserves its attention, and Kauffman realizes that too. “I want to change how others view me and drumming as a whole by reaching World Class,” he mentioned. As Kauffman continues to work hard for his goals, he wants recognition for him and his fellow drummers. Although it may not be the Super Bowl, it is to them, and they should be recognized for being the best at what they do.