Joseph M. Connors

At the age of 8, Joe began studying snare drum and drum set, continuing through high school and into college. During his years at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, he studied orchestral percussion, as well as techniques in symphonic wind and string instruments to fulfill his requirements in Music Education. After an exciting and life-changing experience playing alongside Johnny "Dandy" Rodriguez, Jose Madera, and Mitch Frohman of the Mambo Legends Orchestra (Tito Puente Orchestra) in 2015, Joe began his studies in Latin percussion. For the next decade, he continued to study and play under the mentorship of some of the world's best percussionists. He has since given several workshops and lectures on the fundamentals of Latin percussion, as well as the legacy of the late John “Dandy” Rodriguez.

Joe currently teaches in the Valley Stream Central High School District. In 2024, he conducted the Valley Stream District Music Festival at Carnegie Hall. 

Whether he is teaching, studying percussion, or reading up on educational philosophy and pedagogy, Joe is constantly striving to become a more knowledgeable, capable, and well-rounded musician and educator. His goal is to share his musical knowledge and experience through performance and education, and to keep himself and those around him moving upward.