Joe LaRocca is one of America’s most sought-after woodwind players, earning a reputation among theaters around the country for his versatility as a multi-wind and multi-genre artist. Joe’s ease with all genres combined with a commanding stage presence has quickly made him a go-to choice for top theaters around the country, bringing pit musicians into the spotlight for on-stage musician roles. With primary focus on flute, saxophone, clarinet, and double reeds, Joe’s expertise extends to include a wide assortment of ethnic and historical winds, bringing opportunities to explore more traditional orchestral and chamber performances, as well as new experimental works. 

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Joe’s on-stage work has gained recognition from multiple organizations, including an award from the St. Louis Theater Circle for his work on The Lehman Trilogy (St. Louis Repertory Theater), and two 2024 Elliot Norton Awards nominations for his work on The Lehman Trilogy (Huntington Theatre) and The Band’s Visit (Huntington Theatre/Speakeasy Stage). Other credits include Jesus Christ Superstar 50th Anniversary National Tour, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Ogunquit Playhouse), American Repertory Theater’s production of Gatsby, and will perform in the ensemble cast as "Sully O'Hara" along with playing the reed book on Speakeasy Stage's production of A Man of No Importance. 

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Outside of the theater realm, Joe has an extensive list of concerti, solos, and chamber music, and has enjoyed principal flute positions at The Du Bois Orchestra, Boston Chamber Symphony, Cape Ann Symphony, Metropolitan Wind Symphony, and others. Joe holds a Bachelor’s of Music in Saxophone Performance from Columbia College Chicago, Master’s of Music in Multi-Wind Performance from Northern Illinois University, and was the recipient of the coveted Artist Diploma in Flute Performance from Longy School of Music at Bard College, being the sole recipient of the diploma that year. He divides his time between Gloucester and Cambridge, MA where he works as an orchestral and theater musician and private woodwind instructor.