Joe Roach, Music City Corps Director

Roach comes to Music City after spending more than 10 years with The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps from Rosemont, Ill. From 2016-18 Roach served as The Cavaliers Director of Programs, responsible for overseeing the corps, Cavaliers Indoor Percussion, Chromium Winds, GearWorks programs and more.

“I have been a fan of Music City the past few years, watching the corps grow on and off the field,” Roach said. “I’m eager to bring an outside perspective and experiences to a passionate and dedicated group that is focused on growth.”

Music City was founded in 2009 in Nashville with the mission of providing young people a fun, family-oriented opportunity for experiential education in music and performing arts. The 2019 season marks the second year the Music City Drum Corps will compete in Drum Corps International’s elite World Class Division.

“Ensuring the members have an incredible experience is our number one priority,” Roach said. “We will focus on great education, a great tour model and creating a safe environment for each performer to thrive.”

Adding a leader with the proven expertise and record of success Joe Roach enjoys will undoubtedly bring a new level of excitement and enhanced member experience to Music City, said MCYA Board of Directors President Tracy Rode.

“It is clear Joe places a priority on the health, wellness and educational experience of students,” Rode said. “His commitment to integrity and excellence on and off the field make him a perfect fit for our organization.”

Roach studied music education and marketing at the University of Iowa and has extensive experience as a clinician with several high school programs and a judge for competitions throughout the fall and winter seasons.

“The marching arts give students the opportunity to be the best version of themselves. As a student I saw the rewards of my hard work and now I have the opportunity to instill similar goals within young participants,” Roach said. “In a world that moves so fast this is one of a few opportunities to slow down, unplug and work in the largest team sports there is.

“To take 154 performers and focus on one goal for three months is a rare and humbling experience that I believe will help shape the lives of these young performers.”

Roach will assume responsibility for staff, members and operations of the Music City Drum Corps at its upcoming Feb. 15-17 training camp.

“Everyone I have met here at Music City has been incredibly warm and welcoming,” he said. “There is an excitement here around the drum corps, the indoor wind ensemble and MCYA that is electric.”