Photo provided by Dr. Josh Frans
Northwest Mississippi Community College Fine Arts Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Josh Frans as Assistant Director of Bands and Percussion Instructor, beginning in Fall 2026.
Dr. Frans joins Northwest with an extensive background as a music educator and percussionist. He most recently served as Assistant Director of Bands and Percussion Director at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, following six years in the same capacity at Jones College. Prior to his time in Mississippi, he served as a Teaching Associate of Music at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina.
Dr. Frans earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Percussion Performance from Texas Tech University, where he served as a Teaching Assistant and fellowship recipient. He also holds Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in Percussion Performance from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.
An accomplished performer and clinician, Dr. Frans’ experience spans orchestral music, chamber music, jazz, marching percussion, pop, and world music. He has performed and presented at numerous state, national, and international conferences, including the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, the Texas Music Educators Association Convention, and the Mississippi Band Directors Association State Convention. His professional performing experience includes appearances with multiple orchestras across Mississippi, Texas, and South Carolina.
In addition to his career as an educator and performer, Dr. Frans currently serves as President of the Mississippi Chapter of the Percussive Arts Society and is an educational endorser for Vic Firth.
“I am thrilled to be joining the vibrant musical community at Northwest Mississippi Community College,” said Dr. Frans. “I look forward to collaborating with the outstanding students, faculty, and staff, building upon the distinguished tradition of achievement in the band, and contributing to excellence within the music department.”
Northwest is proud to welcome Dr. Josh Frans to the Northwest Ranger family.