Joel S. Cohen

Joel was born and raised in Akron, OH, where he still resides. 

He plays a lot of musical instruments:  Oboe and English Horn, Clarinet, various Saxophones, Bassoon, Bagpipes, Flute trans, Tin whistles, mountain dulcimer, hammered dulcimer, banjo, harmonica, and Irish Flute. 

He joined MUS 2 years ago.  In addition to MUS, he also plays with the Kent Community Band and New Horizons Band. 

He teaches all woodwinds to middle and high school students as well as youngsters and adults.  He also teaches music theory, beginning banjo, mountain dulcimer and hammered dulcimer and community music at Cuyahoga Community College.

Needless to say, he has won many awards:

• National Music Camp Interlochen University division Concerto runner up award 1967
• Scholarship to Julliard 1967
• Composers contest award group participation Akron Public schools 1966
• J.P. Sousa award 1968
• Many superior ratings in Solo and Ensemble MENC
• Ohio State Concerto runner up award playing the Strauss Oboe Concerto 1969
• Superior rating for Woodwind Quintet composition 2006 OMEA
• Ohio State Concert band award 1970
• World Youth Orchestra National Music camp Interlochen, participation award1967

He is married to Frederica. They have two girls. Rachel is 22 years old and a graduate of Akron U. She is a Law student in Boston. Sarah is 26 years old and a  Kent State graduate, and a flight attendant for USA 3000. She is preparing to be a flight nurse at Cuyahoga Community College.

“ I enjoy travel, family and friends. I have been working in the field of optics for 43 years. I have many college degrees, but who cares when you are almost retired."