TRANSCRIPT:
I’m Mark Rapp, and this is Rapp on Jazz.
Drummer Stockton Helbing is one of the most dynamic musicians to emerge from South Carolina’s jazz community.
Born in 1980 and raised in Florence, he picked up the drums in sixth grade and quickly earned spots in the South Carolina All-State Jazz Band before graduating from West Florence High School.
As a performer, his résumé stretches from Maynard Ferguson—who hired him straight out of college—to Doc Severinsen, Arturo Sandoval, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
Helbing is also an accomplished composer, having released multiple albums and written jazz etudes. His educational work includes books and online guides that help young drummers navigate everything from syncopation to big band playing.
This has been Rapp on Jazz, a co-production of ColaJazz and SC Public Radio, made possible by The ETV Endowment of South Carolina.