Joe Hobbs, Battery Coordinator at Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corp. Mr. Hobbs is also the Director of Percussion at Vandegrift High school in Austin, TX. During Joe’s time at Vandegrift, the group won their first BOA Regional Championship (BOA Austin in 2016) as well winning the BOA Houston regional in 2017. The Wind Ensemble was also named the 2018 TMEA 6A Honor Band. The Drum Line has also been recognized as one of the strongest groups in Texas. The group won the Dripping Springs Drum Line Contest in both 2016 and 2017. The Vandegrift percussion ensemble was also selected to perform at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in 2017. Joe was previously the director of percussion at Newman Smith High School in Carrollton, TX. Under his direction, the Newman Smith drum line was recognized as one of DFW’s strongest drum lines having won both the Plano Drum Line Contest as well as the Lone Star Drum Line Contest. The Newman Smith Drum Line was also invited to present a Marching percussion clinic at the 2015 PASIC Convention.
Joe also served as the percussion caption head for The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps from Rosemont, IL from 2015-2018. During this time the percussion section saw a radical change in placement going from 10th place in 2015 to 3rd place by 2017. The group also saw over a 95% retention rate during Joe’s time leading the caption. Before joining The Cavaliers, Joe served on the percussion staff for the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps from Rockford, IL and The Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps from Atlanta, GA, where he was the battery caption head. He held this title from 2008-2010. Joe was also involved with Music City Mystique as a battery instructor from 2009-2011. He was a member of 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 Joe was a member of the Cavaliers snare line. During his time with the Cavaliers, Joe won 2 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. Other teaching experience includes George Rogers Clark High School, Southwind Drum & Bugle Corps, Murray State University, Austin Peay State University, Mt. Juliet High School, Marshall County High School, and Murray High School.
Joe is endorsed by Pearl Drums, Innovative Percussion, and Evans Drumheads. Joe, his wife Kara, daughter Nina, and their Great Dane “Truman” currently live in Austin Texas.