Josh Jones Named Principal Percussionist of Kansas City Symphony

By Logan Martell
(Credit: Greg McKay)

The Kansas City Symphony has announced that Josh Jones has been appointed as the orchestra’s principal percussionist after having won a national audition for the role in Marc.

Jones will be joining for the orchestra for its upcoming 2020-21 season.

Jones has served as principal percussionist of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and has performed with the Detroit and Pittsburgh symphonies through fellowships to promote Black artists. A graduate of Cleveland Institute of Music and Carnegie Mellon University, Jones has been featured on radio and television programs such as NPR’s “From the Top,” NBC’s “TODAY Show,” and PBS/WTTW’s “Chicago Tonight.”

“His passion for making music is so evident in his performing, teaching and speaking. A musician and pedagogue of this caliber is a HUGE win for Kansas City, and we are so fortunate to be able to bring him here,” Executive Director Danny Beckley said per a press release.

“As we listened to Josh’s final audition round, it was clear to all of us on the committee that we were listening to more than just a superb instrumentalist. With each successive excerpt, Josh’s artistry was immediately apparent. Among the many frustrating casualties of our COVID-19-interrupted year has been the inevitable delay to Josh making his debut as the newest member of our orchestra. I am confident that he is going to make a huge mark here in Kansas City, on and off the stage, and I welcome him to our Kansas City Symphony family.”

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