Joseph Fagnant, a native of Rhode Island, graduated from the University of Maine with a bachelors’ degree in Music Education (BME) in May 1993.  While at the university, Joe performed with all major musical ensembles, was a member of Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity, and was inducted in the Phi Kappa Phi and Pi Kappa Lambda honor societies.  He also served as an instructor and counselor at the Maine Summer Youth Music Junior Camp at the University of Maine.

“Mr. F” has been the 9-12 instrumental music teacher at Houlton High School (MSAD #29) since 1993.  The high school band has had a consistent enrollment of around 100 students, which represents over 27% of the student body.  The HHS Shiretowners Band, “The Beat of the County Seat”, has been recognized for promoting school spirit, been featured on television coverage of state basketball playoffs and has won awards at various large group festivals in and out of state.  The jazz program has grown to feature two big bands, small combos and both the Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble have been very competitive at the Maine State Jazz Festival for several years.  Other groups under his direction include the HHS percussion ensemble “Off Beat” and various small ensembles.  He has assisted with the state championship vocal show choirs for several years and assisted in numerous musical productions.  Joe has also directed the Houlton Community Chorus for different concert seasons and is the McGill’s Community Band Director.

Joe attained his masters’ degree while attending the American Band College, held at Southern Oregon University, in Ashland, Oregon (2002).  While attending “ABC” he: performed under Alfred Reed, Francis McBeth, Robert W. Smith, Philip Sparke; performed with The Dallas Brass, Allen Vizzutti, and James Walker; played with 170 band directors from all over North America. He attended clinics given by outstanding music educators from all over the world.  He is a member of MENC, PAS and MEA. 

Mr. Fagnant has received recognition for his teaching efforts by students by being nominated multiple times for Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers and also Who’s Who in America.  He is a 2008 Maine Teacher of the Year Nominee.  He has been president of the MSAD #29 Educators Association and the Northern Maine Music Educators Association.  He currently serves as president of the Houlton Community Arts Center, a not for profit organization raising five million dollars for a new arts center at the high school.  He resides in Houlton with his wife Heather, where they both enjoy sailing, kayaking and relaxing at East Grand Lake.