ABOUT

Trained as an orchestral trumpet player (Ithaca College and Manhattan School of Music), Joe has been continuously active performing in regional orchestras, small ensembles, theater orchestras, and jazz groups for over 40 years.

“Classical orchestral composing has emerged later in my music life after years of composing and arranging in the jazz field. My composing continues to be inspired by the sound possibilities, emotional depth, and musical colors uniquely available from the symphony orchestra.”

His current orchestral catalog includes pieces in a variety of compositional forms including overture, symphonic dance, tone poem, dance suite, and theme and variations. He has also completed orchestrations of piano works of Albeniz and Turina. Many of these pieces have been performed in the last few years by Philadelphia-area ensembles like the Immaculata Symphony, Rose Tree Symphony, Chesco Pops Orchestra, Delaware County Symphony, and DCS Chamber Players.

His compositions in the jazz idiom include orchestral and small group arrangements for male and female jazz singers and numerous Big Band arrangements and original works. These have been performed by the Chesco Pops Orchestra, Jump City Jazz Orchestra, vocal jazz quartets, and The Philadelphia Clef Club Big Band. He recently recorded a CD of original compositions and arrangements with The Clef Club Big Band entitled “Session One”.