AJ Arciniega

Location: San Diego, CA

Challenge: Williams Syndrome

AJ Arciniega is a drummer and singer. He plays with the TERI INC band, his Dad's band and his Church band.... and all bands that ask him to fill in for them. AJ has been playing since he was 3 years old. Drumming is something he starts his day with... and ends his night with as well.

AJ was born in Chicago, Illinois (April 15, 1993). His mother,Julia Uhll, is a Realtor and very involved with the National Williams Syndrome Association. His father, Ossie Arciniega, is a professional singer and lead roadie for AJ. AJ started playing drums at the age of 3 after getting his first drum kit for Christmas. His dad started playing music with him and continues to this day. The family moved to San Diego CA in 2001 to have more opportunity in school for him. AJ played all four years of high school in his marching band at Rancho Bernardo High School.

AJ works at TERI Inc, a renowned non-profit in Oceanside, California. The program infuses music making and education into the lives of over 800 individuals with developmental disabilities and the 400 staff that serve them.

AJ wears many hats and has many responsibilities. He serves as an adaptive music instructor, peer tutor, abilities awareness advocate, drummer, band member, lead performer in the theater group, and a student. AJ does everything from helping clean and set up the music room and assisting teaching to performing with Grammy award winning artists to sold out crowds of thousands.

AJ’s musical knowledge and drumming expertise are excellent and are an amazing lens to understand AJ’s true passion and incredible spirit. Along with his undeniable talent, AJ always works hard to be the best that he can be. In other areas of AJ’s life where he may encounter difficulties and challenges, he strives continually to find a balance and understanding of how to address and overcome them.

AJ Arciniega playing drums at the Museum of Making Music