The DMK Drums Memorial fund began in 2017 with generous contributions from friends and family. Since the first distribution was made, many people have asked how to continue to support our mission. More information on the DMK Drums Memorial Fund can be found on the official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/dmkdrums29/. 

We continue to update everyone through Facebook on the fund's growth and the donations to various programs and students. 

Recipients: 

2019: Montana Music Institute - $250

2020: Billings Symphony Orchestra - $500

2021: Lorelai percussion lessons with Roxanne Jeppeson - $250

2022: Keatin Hertz percussion lessons- $500

2023: Arts Without Boundaries - $500

2024 - Drum heads & cymbals donated to local musicians.

2025 - TBD

Devin's story:

Devin Kennedy LOVED to drum. Devin caught the bug as a 12-year-old in junior high. He had always enjoyed music, but the drums found a special place in his heart. He started lessons on a drum pad and progressed quickly, inevitably needing a full kit to continue.

Devin eventually performed in several local bands. He completed a degree at MSU-B in Music Performance which allowed an opportunity to experience many percussion instruments, a chance to perform solo and in groups, write his own music and perfect a variety of musical styles. His accomplishments were many, but he found that he also enjoyed teaching young drummers to find their groove. He started teaching from a home studio under “DMKDrums”.

In June of 2016, Devin and his business partner were creating “Amplify Studios,” a recording studio in Billings, where Devin also started building his own formal drum studio.

Devin passed away unexpectedly in February 2017 at the age of 29. The DMK DRUMS Memorial Fund was created by his family to honor Devin and to continue what he had started. The fund is designed to assist young drummers in improving their skills and pursuing their dreams. The goal of the fund is to provide a grant to percussion students to be used towards the purchase or rental of a percussion instrument, music lessons, music camp or to an organization that promotes music education.