Joe Ready Athletic Band Director
Department of Music
Overview
Joe Ready is a professional tubist and educator with a performance career spanning orchestral, operatic and brass ensemble traditions across the United States. He is Principal Tubist with Portland Opera and an Associate Artist with the Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass, performing regularly with ensembles throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. His work reflects a high level of versatility, precision and musicianship, shaped by experience in major orchestral settings as well as contemporary and commercial performance environments.
Teaching and mentorship
At Linfield, Joe brings the mindset of a working freelance musician into the rehearsal room. His teaching emphasizes preparation, collaboration and professionalism—skills that translate directly to real-world music careers and beyond. He meets students where they are, building ensembles that are both technically solid and genuinely fun to be part of. Joe is known for creating a supportive, upbeat rehearsal culture where students feel challenged, respected and motivated to improve while enjoying the experience of making music together.
Education
- Professional Diploma: Roosevelt University
- M.M., Bowling Green State University
- B.M., University of Oregon
Areas of expertise
- Athletic band, pep band and ensemble leadership
- Low brass performance and pedagogy
- Orchestral and chamber music performance
- Marching band and drum corps instruction
- Ensemble culture-building and student engagement
Notable projects and professional highlights
- Principal Tubist, Portland Opera
- Associate Artist, Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass
- Brass Caption Supervisor & Brass Captain Head, Seattle Cascades Drum & Bugle Corps
- Performances with Oregon Symphony, Oregon Ballet Theatre, Oregon Bach Festival, Eugene Symphony, Vancouver Symphony (WA) and Orchestra Nova Northwest
- Former Associate Member, Civic Orchestra of Chicago
Why Linfield Music
Joe values Linfield’s ability to foster close-knit musical communities where students from all majors can continue playing, performing and growing together. The environment allows him to shape Wildcat Band as a welcoming, high-energy ensemble with increasing performance opportunities and a strong sense of camaraderie. Linfield’s scale makes it possible to build momentum quickly, support steady progress and create meaningful musical experiences for every member.
Who thrives here
Students who enjoy performing, value teamwork and want music to remain an active part of their lives tend to thrive in Joe’s ensembles. He works especially well with students who are driven, community-minded and excited to play engaging music in front of live audiences, regardless of their academic major.
Beyond the studio
Joe remains deeply involved in the marching arts and has worked with some of Oregon’s top high school marching programs. He has come to terms with the fact that his childhood dream of becoming a professional bowler did not come to fruition; his passion for music has softened the blow.