Dr. JD Handshoe

Dr. JD Handshoe joined the faculty of �Ļ�ӰԺ in 2022 as Assistant Professor of Low Brass, having previously served on the faculties of Kennesaw State University, Berry College, Dalton State College, and Georgia Highlands College.

JD was awarded a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Trombone Performance from the University of Kentucky, as well as a Master of Music degree in Trombone Performance and a Bachelor of Music Education degree with euphonium as his primary instrument, both from Morehead State University. His primary teachers were Dr. Stacy Baker on euphonium and tuba, as well as Dr. Jeanie Lee, Dr. Nathan Dishman, Dr. William Mann, and Bradley Kerns on trombone.

Highlights of JD’s performances include appearances with the Columbus (GA) Symphony Orchestra, the Cave Run Symphony Orchestra, the Georgia Brass Band, The Lexington Brass Band, Saxton’s Cornet Band, the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra 2nd Street Jazz Band, the DiMartino-Osland Jazz Orchestra, the Kentucky Jazz Repertory Orchestra, two seasons with the Lexington Theatre Company, the Emmy-Award winning “A Grand Night for Singing!” Orchestra, and the national tour of “A Christmas Story: The Musical”, as well as invited performances at the International Trombone Festival, the International Tuba/Euphonium Conference, the American Trombone Workshop, the National Trumpet Competition, the American Bandmasters Association Convention, the Jazz Education Network’s Annual Conference, and the Kentucky Music Educator’s Association Conference.

JD is an Edwards Trombones Performing Artist and plays an Edwards B502-I bass trombone.

In his spare time, JD enjoys photography, listening to metal, watching horror movies, playing video games, and spending time at home with his wife, Susannah, their two dogs, Victor and Julie, and their cat Harley.