Brian Washington

Brian Washington’s love for drumming began almost as soon as he could hold a pair of sticks. Introduced to gospel music at an early age by his parents—both Berklee alumni—Washington’s musical journey was sparked in those formative years.  As a scholar in Berklee City Music’s High School Academy and a graduate of Boston Arts Academy, he expanded his musical palette, adding a wide range of genres to his repertoire. He's now enrolled at Berklee College of Music, class of 2029. His ultimate goal? To tour the world as a professional musician.

He might not be on tour yet, but Washington is already making a name for himself in Boston’s thriving and competitive music scene. Last year, he and five other talented high school musicians were selected to perform with the Boston Pops at Symphony Hall, following their win in the Fidelity Investments Young Artists Competition. Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhart praised the young performers, stating, “No matter what life has in store for them…they’re going to be important people who make a significant difference.” Those words have been prophetic for Washington, who has continued to land opportunities to perform with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Despite his growing list of accomplishments, Washington remains grounded in his values of humility and gratitude. He credits his family, mentors, and passion for music for keeping him focused. He also takes full advantage of every opportunity that comes his way. At Boston Arts Academy, he was a member of the Advanced Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and the Black American Music Ensemble. At Berklee, he continued to sharpen his skills as a mentee in the Jazz and Gender Justice program and the High School Academy Advanced Ensemble.

These ensembles, along with other Berklee opportunities, have helped Washington blossom into a versatile and dynamic drummer—able to switch from a pop groove to a jazz swing at the drop of a hi-hat. But when he’s at home, with time to spare between performances and classes, you’ll find him back where it all started: shedding gospel staples on his drum set.

“I've been playing gospel music for so long—it just brings back good memories,” says Washington, reflecting on the role gospel plays in his life. His love for the genre runs deep, taking him back to the days when he’d sit in church, mesmerized by the advanced grooves of the drummers around him. “It gives me chills…I just love it,” he shares.

Whether he’s performing at home, on stage, or in a feature for Berklee City Music’s Waveform series, Washington’s signature sound is full of soul—and he hopes to pass the torch on to others. He sees gospel music finding its place in new genres, as more artists embrace a future of musical fusion, and he hopes to play a role in nurturing the growing appreciation of the genre.

Written by: Jacob Garcia