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Joe R.
Education Representative
Joe is the son of a professional drummer, and he started playing drums at the age of five. He performs all styles of music and has won second prize in the first annual "Battle of the Beats" sponsored by the Long Island Drum Center of New York with over 1800 drummers competing. Joe was very active in the New York music scene, including performing in jazz clubs and off-Broadway shows. During this time he studied with drummer Joe Morello. Joe also played for guitarist and RCA recording artist Parris, and jazz vocalist Etta Jones. During this time he formed his own big band which comprised many players from Buddy Rich, Woody Herman, and Liza Minelli's orchestras. In 1998 he played for Concord recording artist Manfredo Fest and formed a jazz trio with Richard Elliot's keyboard player, Ron Reinhart, and Tim George, local bassist. He is now active with the Valerie Gilesspie Quartet, with whom he performs and records.