Joe Elefante, who joined Oak Knoll’s Upper School Creative Arts Department this fall, will release his first full-length studio album, Return of the Light, with his ensemble Wheel of Dharma on October 24, 2025. The project showcases Elefante’s work as a pianist, saxophonist, composer, and bandleader.

Elefante brings more than a decade of classroom and administrative experience as a composer, music and theatre director, and arts leader. His professional credits include regional theater music direction (with appearances at Paper Mill Playhouse) and performing in the Broadway and national tour of Jersey Boys. He has been recognized as a Kennedy Center Jazz Ambassador and has participated in the BMI Jazz Composers Workshop and Betty Carter Jazz Ahead — experiences that inform his teaching and mentorship.

He holds a B.A. in Jazz Studies from New Jersey City University, an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University, and is completing a doctorate in Educational Leadership Policy at Texas Tech University.

“Joe’s active career brings the full creative process into our classrooms and ensembles,” said Upper School Division Head Laura Hollenbaugh. “Our students benefit from his high-level musicianship and the real-world perspective he models — from draft to debut.”

Oak Knoll congratulates Mr. Elefante on this milestone and looks forward to the expertise and inspiration he will continue to share with our student musicians throughout the year. For those interested in celebrating with Mr. Elefante live, there will be a release event on November 8, 2025, from 7 to 10 p.m. at Shanghai Jazz in Madison.