Joe Hobbs
Joe Hobbs (Austin, TX) served as Director of Percussion at Vandegrift High School in Austin, Texas, from 2016 to 2025. The Vandegrift Percussion Ensemble was selected to perform at The Midwest Clinic in 2017 and 2024.
Since opening in 2009, the Vandegrift band program has received national recognition. The program was named the 2022 and 2023 UIL 6A Texas Marching Band State Champion and earned the title of Bands of America Grand National Champion in 2019. Additional honors include performing in the 2022 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, being selected as a featured ensemble at the 2021 Midwest Clinic, receiving the 2020 Sudler Shield and Sudler Flag, earning the 2021 UIL 6A Silver Medal, and being named the 2018 UIL 6A Honor Band.
Hobbs serves as the Battery Arranger and Caption Head for the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps. Prior to Crown, he was on the percussion staff for the Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps, where the ensemble earned the Fred Sanford Award for High Percussion in 2022, and won the 2024 DCI World Championship. He also served as Battery Arranger for Music City Drum Corps (2023-2024), during which the percussion section achieved the highest placement in corps history. Previously, Hobbs was Percussion Caption Head for The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps (2015-2018).
Hobbs is a sought-after writer, clinician, and adjudicator. Tapspace Publications published his snare drum method book, The Starting Line, which focuses on developing young players’ rhythmic comprehension and expanding rudimental vocabulary. His marching percussion arrangements have been performed by The University of Texas, The University of Alabama, The Ohio State University, and Phantom Regiment.