K.J. Stafford has been involved with Drum Corps International for almost two decades, currently serving on the percussion staff of the Santa Clara Vanguard where he has worked since 2011. During that time, Vanguard has earned four Fred Sanford Awards for Best Percussion: 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018 as well as the DCI World Championship in 2018. Prior to working at Vanguard, K.J. also taught on the percussion staff of the Phantom Regiment (2010 DCI High Percussion Champions) and the Troopers (2007-2009).

Currently residing in Chesapeake, Virginia, K.J. is the band director and music department chair at Hickory Middle School. His responsibilities include directing the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade bands, jazz band, woodwind choir and percussion ensembles. Under his direction, the bands at Hickory Middle School have consistently received superior ratings at state concert band festivals. In 2009, the Hickory Middle School eighth grade band performed at the Virginia Music Educators State Conference in Hot Springs, Virginia. K.J. also assists with the Hickory High School marching band and WGI Champion Hickory High School Concert Ensemble.

K.J. earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the University of North Texas in Denton, TX. While at North Texas, he studied under Paul Rennick, Christopher Deane, Mark Ford and Dr. Robert Schietroma. He has also earned a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.

When not teaching at home or with the drum corps, K.J. is in demand as an arranger, adjudicator, clinician, designer and instructor with groups throughout the United States. His professional affiliations include the Percussive Arts Society, MENC and VMEA. K.J. endorses Innovative Percussion and Remo Drumheads.