Joe Darpino

Joe Darpino is a music educator, performer, and percussion expert from Colorado Springs, Colorado. Joe has been playing drums since 5th grade, giving him over 20 years of experience in multiple styles and genres of percussion. After going through District 11 schools, Joe graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with degrees in instrumental music education and jazz drum set performance under the direction of Gray Barrier and Jim White. Joe has previously taught as a public music teacher in Widefield School District 3, Harrison School District 2, and Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8. He is currently the band director at Gold Camp Elementary and the Assistant Director at Cheyenne Mountain Junior High in Cheyenne Mountain School District 12.

Joe is in demand for percussion and jazz coaching having worked for multiple school districts, honor bands, and local musical ensembles as a percussion and jazz expert. Joe has taught many kinds of percussion groups including classical, jazz, marching, and indoor. He also maintains a private percussion studio for beginners to college bound students. He is an active percussionist and jazz musician in Colorado Springs and Denver where he plays with everything from big bands, to jazz combos, to orchestras. Joe is thrilled to work with the phenomenal students and staff at CSYSA as the percussion coach for Pikes Peak Winds, but also as a jazz expert and percussion expert in many of the organization's ensembles. In his free time Joe enjoys hiking, gardening, and spending time with his wife, Emily, and their animals, Sammy, Ella, and Ruthie.