Joel is currently the 8-12 Band Director at Pierz Healy High School in Pierz, Minnesota. Along with teaching 3 curricular ensembles, Joel directs the Pep Band, Jazz I and II Ensembles, and Pit Orchestra. In 2022, Joel was recognized as one of Yamaha Music Education's "40 Under 40." Joel recently presented at the 2023 MBDA New Teacher Workshop. In 2025, Joel brought the Pierz Symphonic Band to the MMEA Midwinter Clinic where they performed 2 world premieres as part of that performance. In 2023, Joel brought the Pierz Jazz I Ensemble to the MMEA Midwinter Clinic to perform alongside the Little Falls Jazz I Ensemble. Joel’s ensembles regularly participate in MSHSL large group and solo/ensemble contests. The Jazz I Ensemble also attends the UMD - Head of the Lakes Jazz Festival and the Eau Claire Jazz Festival. During Joel’s time as director, the Jazz Ensemble has won the Class D competition at Eau Claire in 2019 and 2023 and took 2nd in 2022 and 2025. Joel has been a part of a number of commissions, consortiums, and is currently leading a new jazz consortium opportunity and plans to continue this project in future years.

Joel received his Bachelor's Degree from Loras College in Dubuque, IA and his Masters in Music Education from Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. Joel has served as a guest honor band clinician at the St. Cloud State University and Loras College Honor Bands and for the 2024 SEMBDA Honor Jazz 9-10 Band. Joel also currently serves as the CMBDA Honor Jazz Chair and has served in this role for the past 5 years. Prior to this, Joel was the treasurer for CMBDA. Joel is also currently the Jazz VP-Elect for MMEA. Joel has a strong passion for educating students through music. He works to provide many opportunities for students to express themselves musically outside of the curricular ensemble. Joel believes that music is a core foundation to creating wonderful human beings to lead our world into the future. Joel also has 3 concert band works published through Alliance Publications and continues to enjoy writing and arranging music for his ensembles. Along with teaching, Joel enjoys golfing and running and is the Varsity Golf Coach at Pierz. He also is a member of the band DiamondBack as their drummer. Joel currently resides in Pierz, MN with his wife Kaitlin, daughter Beth, and husky, Zelda.