Joseph “JP” Dewey is a native of Sidney, NY in the upstate Southern Tier region of the state. An early student of Amy Hoxie and Gregg Norris, his early performance credits include appearances with the Sidney Elementary School Band, the Hartwick Honor Band, and the Oneonta Concert Association. After his early musical aptitude led to his enrollment at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he earned Bachelor’s Degree in Contemporary Writing and Production in 2022. He has since moved to Los Angeles, where he is busy in all aspects and genres of music. More recent performance credits include touring with Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras and much more. See more about him at his website and SoundCloud page.
Dewey wrote Catskill March for the Catskill Valley Wind Ensemble in 2025. His program notes say:
Catskill March is a Sousa-styled march for wind ensemble, written specifically for the Catskill Valley Wind Ensemble in Oneonta, New York. Inspired by the breathtaking landscapes of the Catskill Mountain region and the spirit of its surrounding communities, the piece seeks to capture both the grandeur of nature and the warm, sometimes whimsical character of the people who call it home.
True to tradition, the march is lively and spirited, yet it also brings something fresh to the form. Most notably, it places the French horn section in a leading role–a rarity in standard march repertoire. Too often, horn are relegated to supporting harmonies, playing offbeats with little melodic interest. Catskill March flips the script, giving the horns a more commanding presence while sharing their usual drudgery with other sections. The result is a march that retains the style and energy of its predecessors while offering something new for performers and audiences alike.
Written by upstate New York native, JP Dewey, Catskill March is not just a tribute to the region’s beauty but also a personal homage to the teachers, mentors, and fellow musicians who shaped his musical journey. With its blend of grandeur, humor, and tradition, the piece stands as both a celebration of home and a fresh contribution to the concert band repertoire.
Special thanks to Amy Hoxie and the Catskill Valley Wind Ensemble.
A recording is forthcoming, pending the premiere on May 4 at 3pm in the Oneonta High School Auditorium by the Catskill Valley Wind Ensemble conducted by Amy Hoxie – and featuring Dewey’s father in the horn section!