Josh also became more involved with his high school band program.  He became drum major of the Madison High School Marching Band.  He rehearsed and conducted numerous performances in both marching and concert seasons.  It was during this time that he decided to find a career in Music Education

       He is currently attending East Tennessee State University where he is pursuing a degree in Instrumental Music Education and playing euphonium with numerous ensembles.  He is also very active in the world-renowned Bluegrass and Country Music Program at ETSU.  He tours regularly with the bluegrass band Appalachian Trail, the ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band, David Holt, Laura Boosinger, and numerous other bands.  He has decided to leave all of his career options open.  

       Josh has performed in 9 foreign countries and most every state in the eastern United States.  He has appeared at Lincoln Center, Gstaad Country Nights Festival in Switzerland, The Austrian Alps Performing Arts Festival, and many other festivals and concerts around the world.  He is in high demand as a brass clinician at area high schools and has also taught numerous workshops such as the Blueridge Old-Time Music Week at Mars Hill College. He has lectured at colleges and universities around the nation.  He appeared in the Trimark Feature Film Songcatcher starring Aidan Quinn and Janet McTear as Fiddlin’ Will and contributed several fiddle pieces to the soundtrack.  In the year 2000 and 2003, he was named Fiddler of the Festival at the nationally acclaimed Fiddler’s Grove competition. He has won numerous award and honors for his playing and teaching abilities.  However, he believes that music should be about communication and feeling and not about awards and competitions.  He hopes that his music will help someone else find their purpose in life. 

Here are some of Josh’s influences and mentors: 

Gordon Freeman, Arvil Freeman, Luke Smathers, Tommy Hunter, Byard Ray, Sheila Kay Adams, Jim Taylor, Laura Boosinger, David Holt, Wayne Henderson, Jimmie Self, Bryan Sutton, Hilary Dirlam, Arthel Goforth, Doyle Lawson, The Osborne Brothers, Raymond W. McLain, Dempsey Young, Jerry Adams, Ralph Blizzard, Jack Tottle, Charles Gidney, Vassar Clements, Roger Howell, Doug Phillips, The Johnson Mountain Boys, and Bruce Greene.

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