A native of Columbia, SC, Scott Burkholder was drumming on pots and pans by the age of 2 and playing along to KISS records by the age of 7. His love of drumming began to take life as he began drum lessons in the 4th grade. After graduating from Irmo High School in 1988, he toured briefly with the O’Kaysions of “I’m a Girl Watcher” fame prior to attending the University of South Carolina. At USC, Scott studied drumset and percussion under Jim Hall, performed in the Left Bank Jazz Band, played in various jazz combos, and gigged professionally each of his years at USC. His directors included Roger Pemberton, Bert Ligon, and John Serry. Throughout college, Scott performed on stage with a veritable “Who’s Who” in the international jazz community, including Marian McPartland, Bill Watrous, Jim McNeely, Randy Brecker, Chris Potter, and Louis Bellson. Scott currently works in the computer software industry by day, and performs music with several acts in the Columbia area. He and his wife perform with the Diamond Band, a 7-piece beach/variety band serving clients throughout the southeast. He is also the drummer for the First Baptist Church of Columbia. Well versed in big band and small group jazz, blues, funk, and 80’s hair metal, Scott freelances often with a wide range of local artists, including the Helms/Boyd Orchestra, the Ross Holmes Band, 7-string guitar virtuoso Jerry Sims, and many others.