Joseph Richards has been the conductor of the Flint Youth Philharmonia since 2018. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Adrian College where he was awarded “Outstanding Student in Music Performance.” In 2022, he received his Master’s of Music Education from the University of Michigan, where he focused on “Social Emotional Learning in Orchestra.”

Previously, Joseph taught 5th grade orchestra in the Troy School District. Currently, Joseph is the orchestra director in Clarkston Community Schools, teaching 6th-12th grade students. Joseph is a member of the American String Teachers Association. In addition to education, he performs with the Oakland Symphony, Macomb Symphony, and Royal Oak Symphony Orchestras. Professionally, he has played in master classes with Ida Kavafian and Joseph Silverstein. Joseph is also an avid outdoorsman, golfer, and composer.