Joe Donohue

Joe Donohue is currently a Percussion Instructor at Texas Christian University where he conducts the Percussion Ensemble II, teaches applied lessons, Steel Band II, Percussion Techniques, Horned Frog Marching Band, and serves as a staff accompanist for the TCU School for Classical & Contemporary Dance. He received a Master of Music degree from TCU and a Bachelor of Music degree from Kennesaw State University. His professors include Dr. Brian A. West, Dr. Richard C. Gipson, Joey Carter, Jeff Hodge, John Lawless, Justin Chesarek, and William Campbell.

While at TCU, Joe performed with the Percussion Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, Steel Band I, Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, and Jazz Ensemble II. Additionally, he regularly accompanied the TCU Choirs and modern dance classes. While he was a member, the TCU Percussion Orchestra won the 2025 Percussive Arts Society (PAS) International Percussion Ensemble Competition. Under his direction, the TCU Percussion Ensemble competed in the PAS Concert Chamber Percussion Ensemble Competition, placing first in 2024 and second in 2023. While at KSU, Joe performed with the Percussion Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Combos, won the Concerto Competition and was a featured artist in KSU’s College Concert and College of the Arts Synergy Showcase.

Joe has performed with the Texas Boys Choir, Georgia Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Wind Symphony, City Springs Theatre Company, Cobb Winds, and the Atlanta Steel Collective. He also performed across the United States with the Spirit of Atlanta and the Cadets drum and bugle corps, and Atlanta Quest Indoor Drumline. As a teacher, Joe worked at Lassiter High School in Marietta, GA from 2015 to 2019 before taking over as the Percussion Director from 2020 to 2022. He taught middle and high school classes as well as private lessons to all age groups.

Additionally, he has taught marching arts programs including the TCU Horned Frog Band, the Auburn University Drumline, Wakeland High School, Sprayberry High School, Atlanta CV Drum Corps, and Atlanta Quest Indoor Drumlines.

Joe co-founded and directed the non-profit community percussion ensembles the Atlanta Percussion Ensemble and the Atlanta Youth Percussion Ensemble. The AYPE performed at the 2022 Georgia Music Education Association State Conference. Joe is an active performer and educator in the DFW area.