Joe Figliolo, Assistant Director of Bands

Inspiring students and fostering the next generation of musicians.

Mr. Figliolo brings fresh energy and deep musical expertise to Asheville High School’s band program. He holds a Master of Music Performance in Instrumental Conducting from Appalachian State University, where he studied under Dr. John Stanley Ross, Dr. Jason Gardner, and Dr. Alexandra Dee.

As a Graduate Assistant with the Appalachian Bands, he worked extensively with the Marching Mountaineers and Appalachian Basketball Band. He was invited to guest conduct the Appalachian Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and Symphony Band, and served as a music director and primary conductor for the Appalachian Concert Band.

An accomplished saxophonist, Mr. Figliolo studied with Dr. Scott Kallestad and performed with the Appalachian Saxophone Choir, Saxophone Studio, and FFNbR Saxophone Quartet. He was also a member of the Appalachian Wind Ensemble throughout his graduate studies.

He earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, studying with Mr. Jeff Fuchs and Dr. Evan Feldman. His contributions to the UNC Music Department were recognized with the 2022 Earl Slocum Band Award for musicianship, leadership, and academic excellence. In 2024, he was selected as the alternate for the United States Air Force Band Diversity Fellowship and presented a clinic on student teaching at the North Carolina Music Educators Association Conference.

A dedicated educator and conductor, Mr. Figliolo is an active member of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), North Carolina Music Educators Association (NCMEA), College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA), National Band Association (NBA), and Pi Kappa Lambda Honor Society. He is also a member of Kappa Kappa Psi, an Honorary Brother of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and a Sigma Alpha Iota Friend of the Arts.

With his experience as a saxophonist, conductor, and educator, Mr. Figliolo is committed to inspiring students and fostering the next generation of musicians.