Joe Jenkins is a multi-woodwind instrumentalist located in Houston, TX. Hailed as possessing “extraordinary passion, elegance, and humility”(The Clothesline Adelaide) and being “nuanced and powerful” (Kenneth Long). He is excited to join Texas Southern University as an Adjunct Instructor of Woodwinds. Joe is a member of The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, a position he has held since 2012, touring extensively both nationally and internationally. He is also on staff at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory as the lead jazz and clarinet instructor and regularly works with the Stratford Playhouse.
Prior to relocating to Houston, Joe was an integral part of the Atlanta music scene. Holding positions with the Carroll Symphony Orchestra, Carrollton Jazz Orchestra, Orquestra Nova Sound, as well as Serenbe Playhouse and Stage Door Players. Joe has been featured on recordings by Chris Stalcup and the Grange, Lefty Williams, and The District Attorneys. Dedicated to performing across multiple genres, Joe toured with the international musical theatre production “In The Mood Live,” worked with the Joe Gransden Big Band, performed with Tito Puente Jr., gave world premiers for chamber ensemble works, and regularly performed with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra.
While being a dedicated performer, Joe has always held a passion for education. Joe has given masterclasses in both jazz and classical music throughout the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. While in Atlanta he was a founding teacher for the Carroll Symphony Music Academy, the outreach and sound learning programs at Charles Drew Charter School, and taught woodwind method courses at Georgia State University.
Joe holds a MM in Orchestral Clarinet Performance from Georgia State University as well as a BM in Jazz Studies from the same institution. During his tenure at GSU Joe was a featured soloist with the Universities Wind Orchestra, performing Stravinsky’s “Ebony Concerto.” He served as principal clarinet and alto saxophone in the universities Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra, as well as performing with the Big Band. His primary teachers include Richie Chiarluce, Dr. Andy Hudson, Dr. Robert Ambrose, and Mace Hibbard. Joe currently resides in Houston, with his dog Dexter. Other passions include roasting coffee, cycling, and enjoying Houston’s amazing food culture.