Joe hartson

Trombone & Sousaphone?!

Joe was first sent to the dog house in the spring of 2019, where he subbed in the horn line at an outdoor party in honor of Steve-O's daughter's wedding! It was apparent right away that he was a great fit...smart enough to read the trombone charts, but not so smart that it'd occur to him to make diva-like demands such as no brown M&Ms in the greenroom or equal pay. In other words, he's a gigging trombone player.

Joe has a passion for all things trombone. He began playing at the age of 10 and has enjoyed playing in a variety of settings ever since. Whether it's an orchestra, a band, a brass quintet, a jazz ensemble, or something more sinful like the DAWGS Joe is always trying to find ways to say an emphatic 'YES!' to opportunities for more playing.

In addition to playing trombone in the band, Joe loves to grab an odd or end from a drummer or percussionist and join the band's groove machine with a cowbell or tambourine. If Steen turns his back for more than a minute or two, Joe will attempt to grab his bass and lay down some sick lines. Don't worry - more often than not he is immediately caught, gently rebuked, and told to return to the horn line which he does willingly enough.

If properly shamed into it by other members of the band, he also plays the sousaphone from time to time.

In his day job, Joe is a high school and middle school band teacher. He lives in the Madison area with his three daughters and a small menagerie of their pets.

When not teaching, fathering, or playing trombone Joe likes to compose music, attempt to write poetry, and talk about - but never actually start - writing stories. He's becoming an avid student of sailing and can be seen in the warmer months on Lake Mendota wishing for more wind.