A versatile and enduring presence in the Los Angeles music scene, Joseph Mitchell, III is a sought-after freelance percussionist and educator. He has performed with a wide array of prestigious ensembles, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Opera, and the Long Beach Symphony, and has worked with legendary artists such as Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, and Lou Rawls. Mr. Mitchell's recording credits include albums with the LA Philharmonic on Sony Classical, releases by Mikki Howard, and Patrice Rushen's soundtrack for the film Cora Unashamed. A veteran of the United States Army Signal Corps Army Band, he currently teaches music at Los Angeles City College and has served on the faculties of several other institutions, including California State University, Los Angeles and Santa Monica College. He holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he studied with Mitchell Peters.