Joel Cosner is the director of bands at Sherando High School, where he has served since the summer of 2015. He directs the Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo. Additionally, he helps to oversee the Winter Guard and Indoor Percussion competition ensembles. Prior to his work at Sherando, he taught in Rockbridge and Rockingham counties. He completed his undergraduate studies at James Madison University, earning a bachelor's degree in music education with a minor in jazz studies. He currently lives in Stephens City, Virginia, with his wife Elizabeth.

Mr. Cosner is passionate about teaching the character traits of perseverance, hard work, and community building through the avenue of the Sherando High School band program. His students have achieved consistent Superior and Excellent Ratings at adjudicated festivals of all types, and have earned several VBODA Virginia Honor Band and VMEA Blue Ribbon Awards. He has directed bands ranging in size from twenty-two to as many as 145 members. In addition to his duties as a music educator, he is an active musician throughout the region as a saxophonist with three different professional gig bands. He currently serves as the Instrumental District Representative for VBODA District 14, and is also serving multiple events as an adjudicator in both concert and jazz areas.

Aside from his music teaching and performing, Mr. Cosner enjoys watching sports and auto racing events, motorcycling, and doing firewood work for his family in West Virginia. He is honored to be able to serve the families and the community of Sherando High School, and is greatly honored to share the stage at Shenandoah University this evening!