Kevin and Jung-Hwa Rhee, performing Piazzolla's L'Histoire du Tango at Yian Art Gallery in Daejeon, South Korea
A native of Kansas City, Kevin attended Lee's Summit North High School. Active in the local music scenes, he participated for 5 years in the Kansas City Youth Symphony Program, was a finalist in the Independence Symphony Concerto Competition, took first and second place in the Youth Symphony Concerto Competition, and took First prize in the Kansas City Symphony Youth Concerto Competition (1999). Kevin also performed in the Kansas City Civic Orchestra, and the Park University Symphony before Graduation.
Upon Graduation, Kevin attended the Peabody Conservatory to study with Jonathon Haas, and Robert Van Sice. Kevin attended the Winter Festival of Campos du Jordao (Brazil) in 2004 where he performed as a soloist, and ensemble member under Eduardo Leandro and Ricardo Bologna.
Daejeon Youth Percussion Ensemble rehearsing "Purdy's Maze" at the Daejeon Recreation Center
After 3 semesters pursuing a GPD from Peabody, Kevin was awarded a principal timpani position in Daejeon Philharmonic Orchestra, South Korea. During his time In Korea, Kevin became a highly sought after chamber musician, performing as guest musician on numerous recitals, and new music concerts. Kevin performed solo recitals regularly, most notably with Svet Stoyanov in Daejeon, South Korea, With Nozomi Abe in Yokohama, Japan and on the Spring Festival Concert Series with Rodrigo Puskas (violin), and Min Park (flute) in Daejeon Culture and Arts Center.
Kevin served as Percussion Faculty for the Kyoung-Hee University (Seoul, Korea) School of Music where his students were featured as soloists at the Seoul Arts Center performing Russell Peck's "Glory and Grandeur" for three percussion soloists and Wind Ensemble. During Kevin's tenure Kyoung-Hee University hosted masterclasses by Ji-Hye Jung (Soloist, VanderBilt University), Don Liuzzi (Philadelphia Orchestra Principal Timpanist, Curtis Institute), Svet Stoyanov (Soloist and University of Miami), and Frederick Macarez (Orchestre de Paris, Conservatoire de Paris).