Dr. Joanna Hersey (she/her) is a performing artist, educator, and veteran of the United States Coast Guard, beginning her career as Principal Tubist with the U.S. Coast Guard Band, stationed at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. The U.S. Coast Guard Band represents the service globally, provides ceremonial support for troops, and entertainment for communities nationwide. Joanna performed at numerous state functions for visiting dignitaries and royalty, as soloist, as a member of the Tuba Euphonium Quartet and Brass Quintet, and has appeared in uniform on The Today Show and Good Morning America. She has performed for three U.S. Presidents and participated in events to commemorate the allied efforts of World War II, including special joint performances with United Kingdom military musicians held across southern England. Across her career Dr. Hersey has performed with artists including Placido Domingo, Roberta Flack, Marilyn Horne, Arlo Guthrie, Michael Bolton, Lee Greenwood, Arturo Sandoval, and Jack Nicholson.
She has released two solo albums, O quam mirabilis, and Zigzags, featuring music by diverse female composers, in combination with her own works, and appears on five chamber music albums. Active in nonprofit leadership, Dr. Hersey assists organizations such as the International Women’s Brass Conference, where her work as President supported strong growth of event participation and mentoring programs. She serves as Conference Chair and Board Member for the International Alliance for Women in Music, and as Treasurer and Board Member of the International Tuba Euphonium Association. Her newest composition, Nanon, for euphonium and tuba duo with electronic track for Drs. Gail Robertson and Stacy Baker, was the winner of the 2023 International Tuba Euphonium Association’s Mary Ann Craig Focus on Women Award, established to honor works which center the achievements and creativity of women.
Joanna holds Bachelor and Master of Arts in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies in addition to her music degrees, focusing her scholarship on inclusion in twentieth-century American music. Joanna is the Director of Student Success in the Center for Teaching and Learning at Gordon College, and continues to serve as Flotilla Staff Officer for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Photo credit: Raul Rubiera