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Joshua Hunt

Executive Director,

Board Member

Joshua’s career in music and leadership spans across four decades where he began his studies early on learning piano, working in three of his father’s privately owned businesses, working full time as a supervisor during his collegiate years while attending school full time, and working around his grandfather’s quadricentennial farm. From his earliest memories he understood he was called by Christ to be a musician and to use the gifts he was blessed with in faithful service to others. He began his studies around age four with lessons from his grandmother who decided to seek lessons for him with Helen Sobers. She quickly realized advanced training was needed. He transferred teachers and began studying with Jean Smith, a Juilliard graduate, who would later introduce him to Dr. Beth and Dr. Jon Maisonpierre where he received additional piano training. When often asked what he intended to do for a career it was always the same answer, which was to teach music and be involved with music.

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The opportunity to become a teacher came to fruition as he began seeking a degree in music education while attending East Carolina University and later transferred to UNC-Pembroke to study under the direction of Dr. Timothy Altman on Trumpet. He earned his way to principal trumpet for the concert and wind ensembles. He served as section leader for the Spirit of the Carolinas marching band and pep bands. His most notable performances during his collegiate years include solo trumpet with maestro and piano virtuoso David Micheal Wolff, meeting and performing World premiere pieces of Robert W. Smith as well as other well-known composers such as Jay Bocook. He joined Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia in college and would later become a Life-Loyal Sinfonian. He successfully received his bachelor’s in music education from UNC-Pembroke, was selected MVP for the Spirit of the Carolinas marching band, and most outstanding senior musician from the department of music. He went on to become the High School Band Director at his former high school after college.  While teaching, he looked to advance his career again and decided to join the Army as an Army Bandsman performing on Trumpet and occasionally Tuba. This career would lead him to play around the world with the best musicians and opened the door to perform at various venues including Koreas Seoul Performing Arts Center which is most similarly related to Carnegie Hall and the opportunity to perform at the first ever Major League baseball game held on an installation at Fort Bragg. He was given the opportunity to lead hundreds of Soldiers throughout his career in a variety of leadership positions as Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of training, admin, library, and trumpet section leader. He was selected to serve as Head Drum Major for the 82nd Airborne Division Band for three consecutive years. During his Army career he attended Liberty University and received his master’s degree in executive leadership, deepening his bond with his calling to be a servant leader through music.

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His Drum Corps experience began early on as a child watching and admiring the activity on his local Public Broadcasting System (PBS) television station. With no internet the shows appeared periodically and it was difficult to figure out how to be involved. He went to his first show in 1997 to experience the Madison Scouts “Pirates of Lake Mendota” show live which finally connected the dots between what he saw on PBS and finally having the opportunity to join the activity. In 1998 he auditioned and received a spot with Spirit of Atlanta on Contra driving eight hours to camp and eight hours back each month. He continued the next four years marching DCI on Contra with various corps. 1999 he spent the season with Carolina Crown, 2000 season with The Cadets receiving first place in DCI World Championships, and finally returning full circle to Spirit of JSU in 2001.  While marching he was fortunate to have the opportunity to perform in Washington D.C. at the capitol building, playing on the Good Morning America Show in New York, performing with Al Chez from the David Letterman show, and at Disney each year. He has remained emersed in the Drum Corps activity volunteering with different corps and through financial contributions. He served as brass caption head for Platinum Drum and Bugle Corps and during his Army Career helped teach The Cadets 12.25 show in their 2012 season. He met his current wife, Veronique, in the summer of 98 while she was on tour with Kiwanis. It is from their musical experiences and passion for the activity that they have decided to bring Myrtle Wavez to Myrtle Beach South Carolina.

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Mr. Hunt has taught, worked with, and consulted bands from coast to coast in the United States and abroad. He is a member of The Association of Military Musicians, Life member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Master Mason, Eastern Star, Knights Templar and Published Author of the book “Dad is the Best!”. He is honored to serve as Executive Director for Myrtle Wavez and looks forward to helping students become the best versions of themselves, share in the same thrilling experience that is Drum Corps, build lasting friendships that last a lifetime and become leaders of tomorrow.

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