Bradford Student Named World’s Best Drummer

A Bradford Grammar School pupil has been crowned the world’s best drummer at a competition in America.

Jordan Murray, 16, of Queensbury, has become the first British World Champion of winter guard and indoor percussion at the WGI Independent World Finals.

He had been studying for his GCSEs and living with a host family in Dayton, Ohio, while preparing for the competition since January.

In September last year, Jordan was asked to audition for an organisation called Rhythm X and was offered a position to join them for their 2013 season.

Rhythm X is one of the foremost percussion innovators in the world and two-time WGI Independent World Percussion Champions.

The WGI percussion world championships are the premier showcase for indoor percussion ensembles in the world.

More than 200 indoor percussion units travelled to Dayton to perform in eight classes, the highest level being Independent World, which Rhythm X compete in.

Jordan’s mum Dawn said: “Rhythm X put in a super performance to not only take the world title, but with the highest score ever recorded.

I am incredibly proud of him. Not just for the honour of being offered a place with Rhythm X or becoming the first-ever British WGI world champion, but for having the ambition and the courage to follow his dreams.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that he will be heading back to America and Rhythm X, or that he will achieve his goal of studying music in the States.”

Jordan, who has also won four European titles, has now returned to school in Bradford and is preparing to sit his GCSE exams this summer.

Headmaster Kevin Riley said: “I am delighted to see Jordan achieve yet another of his dreams and look forward to following his career in the future.”

Jordan said: “I am really glad I made the decision to go and that it paid off.”