Corey Fonville, from Virginia Beach, Virginia, has been playing drums since he was 2 year old. He acquired a taste for the art while sitting behind a junior set of drums and playing along with CD recordings of great fusion and modern jazz greats from his father's collection.
      By the age of 8 Corey had lent his talents to a CD entitled "The Land of Make Believe." He played on 6 of the 13 songs. Corey's debut was due in part to his work with the Birdland Express, which is led by pianist Dave Adams and trumpeter Steve Nygaard, both of whom are long time jazz musicians. Corey has since recorded on several other CDs including one that featured saxophonist Richie Cole. Corey has played at the Telluride Jazz Festival, the Herdan Jazz Festival and many other events. In 2003, Corey was voted best drummer at the James Madison University Tri-State Jazz Festival and the Virginia District Seven Jazz Festival Competition in Williamsburg, VA. Corey, now 15 years old, continues to play drums.

Corey Fonville auditioned and made the cut for the 2005 and 2007 Grammy performances.  He appeared with the Grammy Jazz Ensemble as the drummer in the Jazz Combo which played during the 49th Annual Grammy Awards Program which was televised in February, 2007.  Click here for full details.

In October, 2007, Corey played at Carnegie Hall with the Bill Mayes Quartet.