Joel Smales joined the percussion section of the BPO in 1996.  Joel is Director of Bands at Binghamton High School’s Rod Serling School of Fine Arts in Binghamton, and adjunct professor of Percussion at Binghamton University.  He holds music degrees from the Crane School of Music (BM) and Binghamton University (MM).

 Additionally, Joel performs as Principal Percussionist with the Tri-Cities Opera Orchestra, eNeRJee Jazz Group and plays steel drum in Panigma.  His published works include percussion solos, ensembles, books and method books published by Kendor, HoneyRock and Drop6.

 Joel has presented clinics for MENC, NYSSMA, NYSBDA and the NJMEA and his articles on music and percussion have appeared in Percussive Notes, School Band and Orchestra, School Music News, The Instrumentalist, and Band World magazines.

Joel endorses Pro Mark drumsticks and mallets, Grover Pro Percussion and was the New York State Percussive Arts Society Vice President and Percussion Chair for the New York State School Music Association for many years. Visit him on the web at www.joelsmales.com.   Joel and his wife Athena live in Kirkwood, NY with their four children.