Joe Hobbs

Joe Hobbs is in his 6th year as the Director of Percussion at Vandegrift High school in Austin, TX. Under his direction the Drum Line won the Dripping Springs Drum Line Contest in 2016, 2017, and 2019 as well as the Lone Star Classic in 2018. The Vandegrift Percussion Ensemble was also selected to perform at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in 2017 in Chicago. The Vandegrift Percussion Section was invited to perform at the 2019 Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) in Indianapolis.

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. Vandegrift was also named the BOA Grand National Marching Band Champion in 2019.

Aside from his work with Vandegrift, Mr. Hobbs is currently the Battery Coordinator for the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps from Canton, Ohio. He previously 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. 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 from Atlanta, GA. He was also involved with Music City Mystique as a battery instructor from 2009-2011.

Mr. Hobbs 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 he 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.