Drumming News :
Blair School of Music welcomes the Zildjian U.S. Young Drummer of the Year Finals, Sunday, October 12, 2025, 2:00 p.m., in Ingram Hall.
Founded by renowned UK drummer and educator Mike Dolbear, the Young Drummer of the
Year competition has spent over two decades spotlighting extraordinary young talent in the
UK. This year marks the first-ever expansion to the United States, offering a high-profile
platform for American drummers aged 16 and under to showcase their creativity,
musicality, and passion behind the kit.
All contest submissions were reviewed by a panel of artist judges, with ten finalists
selected to perform live in Nashville. Finalists will perform at the Blair School’s state-of-
the-art Ingram Hall in front of a live audience and expert panel of judges. The winner will
receive a full prize pack from Zildjian, Vic Firth, Gretsch, and Remo, along with national
recognition and performance opportunities.
Zildjian is honored to partner with Vic Firth, Gretsch Drums, and Remo—three
powerhouse names in percussion—to support the event and provide unparalleled
resources and mentorship to these promising young players.
TOP 10 FINALISTS :
Here are your 2025 top 10 finalists in forename alphabetical order. See you in Nashville!
Brenin McCaa, Colin O’Brien, Jack Medaglia, Jahdiel Caleb, Aviles Pomales, Jake Schmidt, Kristian Todorov, Ky-Mani Caines, Larry Simmons IV, Michael Hendrickson III, Xuanjin Ren.
About Avedis Zildjian Co.:
Avedis Zildjian Co. has set the standard for high-performance musical instruments since
1623. As the world’s leading maker of cymbals, drumsticks, and percussion mallets,
Zildjian products are sold across the world with the mission to inspire people to express
themselves through music. From the beginner to the world’s greatest rock stars, jazz
performers and concert percussionists, amateurs and pros alike choose Zildjian, Vic Firth,
and Balter Mallets products to share their musical expression, without compromise. For
more information, please visit www.zildjian.com
About Young Drummer of the Year:
Founded in 2002, Young Drummer of the year offers contestants (16 and under) a platform
to highlight their drumming talent on a national and international stage. Since the
competition’s inception, the event has seen tremendous growth, attracting an ever-
increasing number of entries and seeing the very best in terms of drumming talent. The U.K.
Young Drummer of the Year competition finals are held in February at a central location,
with the winner receiving a trophy, prestigious title, and often, drum and cymbal
endorsement deals.
Get tickets HERE
Learn more HERE
