Josh Gianola is a percussionist and educator in the PNW. He holds positions as Lecturer of Percussion Studies at Central Washington University, and Principal Percussionist of the Yakima and Walla Walla Symphony Orchestras. An active freelancer, Josh has played as an extra percussionist with the Oregon Symphony, Spokane Symphony, and has been a guest principal percussionist for the Mid-Columbia, Oregon-East, and Newport Symphony Orchestras.

A passionate advocate for equitable access to music, Josh helped to launch Yakima Music en Acción (YAMA) in January of 2013. A nonprofit committed to developing youth leadership through music, YAMA’s student body grew from 11 to over 120 in the years that followed. Josh and the team at YAMA continue to disrupt barriers to access in the orchestral landscape.

Josh holds a Master of Music degree in Percussion Performance from Portland State University, and a Bachelor of Music Performance from Central Washington University. He resides in Ellensburg, Washington with his wife, violinist Vanessa Moss, their black lab Gilly, and their cat, Cat. His principal teachers are Jon Greeney, Joel Bluestone, and Mark Goodenberger.

Want to see Josh in action? Check the Performances page for upcoming shows!