Dr. Joel Graham

Dr. Joel M. Graham is the Director of Bands at Wilkes University. He directs the Civic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Pep Band, conducts musical pit orchestras, and teaches courses in music history and music theory. Previously, he was the Director of Bands at Allegheny College in Meadville, PA and at the College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio where he also led their instrumental music education program.

Past k-12 teaching appointments include directing the music programs at Lee Academy in Lee, ME and at Kents Hill School in Readfield, ME. During his time in Maine, he also directed the Robert Browne Hall Memorial Band in Oakland, ME. Under his leadership, that community ensemble performed an active performance schedule of up to ten performances per year with musicians ranging from young novices to retired professionals.

Graham earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in conducting from George Mason University, where he studied with Professor Mark Camphouse and Dr. Dennis Layendecker, Colonel USAF retired, and his Master of Arts degree in conducting from the University of New Hampshire, where he studied with Dr. Andrew Boysen and served as the graduate assistant to bands. He received his Bachelor of Music degree in music education at the University of Southern Maine, where he studied with Dr. Peter Martin.

In addition to his conducting and education career, he maintains an active performance schedule on trumpet, trombone, and horn and has been featured as solo artist with the multiple ensembles in New England. He studied trumpet privately with Professor Elizabeth Rines, Professor Trent Austin, and Dr. Robert Stibler.

Graham was named as an honorary mention in the American Prize Conducting Competition Wind Conducting Division in 2023 and is currently a finalist in the Musical Theatre Conducting Division.

• Bachelor of Music in Music Education, University of Southern Maine
• Master of Arts in Music: Music Conducting, University of New Hampshire
• Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting, George Mason University