Joe Hobbs
Battery Arranger
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, Mr. Hobbs is the Battery Coordinator for the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps. He has held this position since 2019. He previously served as the Percussion Caption Head for The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps from 2015-2018. Before joining The Cavaliers, Mr. Hobbs served on the percussion staff for the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps and the 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 2004-2006he was a member of The Cavaliers snare line. During his time with The Cavaliers, Mr. Hobbs won two DCI World Championships, 2006 DCI I&E Mixed Ensemble Championship, “Cavalier of the Year” and the “Zildjian Award” in 2006.
Mr. Hobbs received his Music Education degree from Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky. He is endorsed by Pearl Drums, Innovative Percussion, Sabian Cymbals and Evans Drumheads. He currently lives in Austin, TX with his wife, Kara, and their daughter, Nina.