Percussion Design Team
Music City Drum Corps continues to Be BOLD with the addition of Tom Rarick and Joe Hobbs as the 2023 Percussion Design Team. Tom Rarick will be arranging for the front ensemble, while Joe Hobbs will arrange for the battery percussion.
“We are beyond thrilled to have Tom and Joe join the Music City design team. Their combined talents will no doubt deliver a world class experience for our members”, stated Shane Gwaltney, Music City Program Coordinator.
Tom Rarick is the Director of Percussion for the Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps. He previously held the position of Front Ensemble Designer (2002-2008) and assumed the role of Percussion Designer/Composer in 2009. During his tenure, the Bluecoats have positioned themselves as one of the premier organizations in Drum Corps International, highlighted by winning the 2016 DCI World Championship and the 2022 Fred Sanford Best Percussion Award.
For more than two decades, Tom served as a percussionist with the United States Air Force Band Ceremonial Brass in Washington DC. He was honored to perform at Super Bowls XLIX and LIV, six Presidential Inaugurations, and contributed to thousands of other ceremonies ranging from White House arrivals to full honor funeral services at Arlington National Cemetery.
In addition to his work for the Bluecoats, Tom is a composer, arranger, and consultant for several bands and pageantry organizations that include Vista Ridge High School (TX), Blue Springs High School (MO), and the University of Alabama. He has also been a percussion adjudicator for Winter Guard International since 2007.
Tom is a signature artist for Innovative Percussion Inc. and assisted in the development of their FS-TR drumstick and a seven-model line of marimba/vibraphone mallets.
“I am so excited to be joining the design team at Music City. It is truly an honor to be able to work with the team that Shane has assembled” said Joe Hobbs.
“I am so excited to be joining the design team at Music City. It is truly an honor to be able to work with the team that Shane has assembled” said Joe Hobbs.
Joe Hobbs is currently the Director of Percussion at Vandegrift High School in Austin, TX. Under his direction, the Drum Line has seen national recognition as well as national competitive success. The group won the Dripping Springs Drum Line Contest in 2016, 2017, and 2019, as well as the Lone Star Classic in 2018. The Vandegrift Drum Line was also invited to perform at the 2019 Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) in Indianapolis as a featured clinician. The Vandegrift Percussion Ensemble was also selected to perform at the 2017 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago.
The band program at Vandegrift High has received National recognition since their opening in 2009. They were selected as the TMEA Honor band in 2018 and were selected to perform at the prestigious Midwest Band and orchestra clinic in 2021. The group also recently received both the Sudler Shield and Sudler Flag in 2020. The band will also perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2022. Vandegrift was named the BOA Grand National Marching Band Champion in 2019.
Aside from his work with Vandegrift, Joe is the Battery Coordinator for the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps, holding this position since 2019. He previously served as the Percussion Caption Head for The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps from 2015-2018. Before The Cavaliers, Joe served on the percussion staff for both the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps and Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps. He was also involved with Music City Mystique as a Battery Instructor from 2009-2011.
Joe is a sought after writer, clinician and judge. Tapspace Publications published his snare drum methods book titled The Starting Line. The book focuses on developing young snare drummers’ rhythmic comprehension, as well as expanding rudimental vocabulary.
His marching career began with Southwind Drum and Bugle Corps from 2001-2003. During his time at Southwind, he was named the 2003 DCI I&E Snare Drum Champion. From 2004-2006 he was a member of The Cavaliers snare line. During his time with The Cavaliers, Joe won two DCI World Championships, 2006 DCI I&E Mixed Ensemble Championship, “Cavalier of the Year” and the “Zildjian Award” in 2006.
Joe received his Music Education degree from Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky. He is endorsed by Innovative Percussion and Sabian Cymbals. He currently lives in Austin, TX with his wife, Kara, and their daughter, Nina.
For information and to register for our 2023 Percussion Auditions please click HERE