Joe LeFevre joined the Toronto Symphony Orchestra as Principal Tuba in 2026. Prior to this appointment, he was Principal Tuba in the Kansas City Symphony since 2018. LeFevre is a former member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and holds a bachelor’s degree in tuba performance with an emphasis in music education from Michigan State University.
He has studied with Phil Sinder, Gene Pokorny, Mike Roylance, Dennis Nulty, Deanna Swoboda, Jacob Cameron, and Bill Short. He has performed as soloist with the Kansas City Symphony, Fountain City Brass Band, Michigan State University Wind Symphony, and Civic Orchestra of Chicago. In addition, he has subbed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Santa Fe Opera, and Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, and was a Tanglewood Music Center fellow in 2016.
LeFevre has won and medaled in various international competitions including the Leonard Falcone International Tuba and Euphonium Festival Competition and the International Tuba and Euphonium Conference Soloist Competition. In 2013, LeFevre was a member of the Michigan State Spartan Marching Band when they performed at the 100th Rose Bowl Game.
LeFevre is a native of Kalamazoo, Michigan. In his spare time, he enjoys triathlon, collecting watches and baseball cards, and spending time with family and friends. He is an avid sports fan and lifelong baseball and American football enthusiast. Despite Toronto’s best intentions, he remains a devoted Detroit Tigers fan. Joe and his wife Kloe call Toronto home and live with their three dogs Ash, Luna, and Toby.