Justin Kauflin Plays Rosemont Forest Elementary School

Virginia Beach school teaches kids about people with disabilities

By Mike Mercker

Justin Kauflin is one of the world's rising stars among young jazz pianists. A recent post on his Facebook page from Quincy Jones reads, “Who’s coming out to see Justin Kauflin this week at the Broad Stage?”

He was playing concerts as early as age six. Justin began playing jazz piano in high school and soon befriended jazz great, Clark Terry. Virginia Beach’s now-closed Havana Nights at Town Center was a home to the Justin Kauflin Trio.

Last month Justin returned to his own Rosemont Forest Elementary School in Virginia Beach to play for students learning about people with disabilities. Justin lost his sight due to a rare disease at age eleven. Despite his disability Justin has achieved great success as a world class jazz pianist.

Watch the video to see what the students of Rosemont Forest experienced.