Originally from Marietta, Georgia, Joe Donohue is currently a Masters student at TCU. Joe received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from Kennesaw State University in 2018 where he studied under John Lawless and Justin Chesarek. While at KSU, Joe won the Concerto Competition and was a featured artist in KSU’s Collage Concert and College of the Arts Synergy Showcase. He currently lives in Fort Worth with wife, Alayna, and dog, Benny.
As a freelance percussionist, Joe performed with the City Springs Theatre Company, Georgia Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Wind Symphony, Cobb Winds, and the Atlanta Steel Collective. As a teacher he worked at Lassiter High School from 2015 to 2019 under Mike Lynch before taking over as the Percussion Director from 2020 to 2022. Joe taught middle and high school classes as well as private lessons of all age groups. Additionally he has taught marching programs including Sprayberry High School, Auburn University, CV Drum Corps, Q2, and Atlanta Quest. Prior to teaching, Joe marched with DCI and WGI groups including Spirit of Atlanta, the Cadets, and Atlanta Quest.
In the winter of 2019 Joe founded and directed a community percussion ensemble called the Atlanta Percussion Ensemble (APE). The next year he co-founded the Atlanta Youth Percussion Ensemble (AYPE) and the non-pro[it umbrella organization; the Atlanta Percussion Group (APG). AYPE performed at the 2022 Georgia Music Education Association State Conference. More information about these ensembles, such as videos and future events, can be found on their website: atlantapercussiongroup.com