Dakota Groves is a percussionist based out of Charlotte, North Carolina. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree with a concentration in Commercial Music and Audio Production from Western Carolina University. Dakota studied concert percussion and commercial drum set and performed in the school’s Wind Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble. Dakota was also an active member of the Pride of the Mountains Marching Band and spent 5 seasons in the band’s Gold Drumline, where he served as the snare section leader during the 2019 season.

In 2016, Dakota joined the Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps and spent the summer touring the country and performing in various Drum Corps International competitions. In 2017, he joined the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps, where he remained a member until his age-out season in 2019.

Along with his experience in marching percussion, Dakota is well-versed in battery composition, sound design, audio engineering, and live sound reinforcement. He is diligent and dedicated to his craft, and he takes pride in his professionalism and attention to detail. He maintains a commitment to ensuring students are achieving their goals, pushing their musical boundaries, and performing to the highest caliber.