First Class Petty Officer Joseph F. McCarthy, USN
Percussionist, Naval Academy Band

Musician First Class Joseph F. McCarthy, a native of Meriden, Connecticut, received a bachelor of music degree in percussion performance from the Hartt School of Music and a master of music degree in percussion performance from the University of North Texas. Upon graduation, he taught percussion and music theory at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth, Texas. He has performed and recorded with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Wind Symphony, Dallas Opera, Dallas Jazz Orchestra, and the East Side Jazz Ensemble; and is a member of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Locally, Petty Officer McCarthy has performed with James Taylor, Dave Samuels, Arturo O'Farrill, Ray Vega, Michael Philip Mossman, Michael Formanek, Mitch Seidman, and is leader/founder of the Latin jazz ensemble, "Afro Bop Alliance." As an educator, he has recently joined the faculty of Georgetown University as the director of drum set studies.

Petty Officer McCarthy enlisted in the Navy in 1994 and reported to the United States Naval Academy Band as percussionist in the Navy's premier contemporary ensemble "Electric Brigade." Currently, McCarthy is serving as Principal Percussionist with the Concert Band, drum set specialist with "The Next Wave" jazz ensemble and Superintendent's Combo, and performs with ceremonial and marching units.

Petty Officer McCarthy's military awards include the Navy Good Conduct Medal (two awards), National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

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