Joe "The Algorithm" Ponder is an accomplished percussionist and educator who has been working freelance in Texas for almost 10 years. He has obtained a B.M. in Music Performance with a percussion concentration from Texas State University, and also a M.M. in Jazz Studies with a drum set concentration, also from Texas State University. He has received world-class instruction from some of the industry's leading experts, such as Butch Miles, Arthur Latin, Genaro Gonzales, Dr. Sarah Burke, Dr. Craig Garrett, and Dr. Utah Hamrick. 

His story began when his parents enrolled him in private drum set lessons at the age of ten in his hometown. After taking lessons for about a year, his parents enrolled him in middle school concert band where he became enamored with the world of percussion. He continued taking lessons and performing in concert band throughout high school and later college where he decided to continue pursing his passion of music with the goal of turning it into a successful career.

Today, he performs primarily as a session drummer with a plethora of groups ranging from honky-tonk groups to jam bands. His blended background of classical music, jazz music, and the marching arts gives him a unique edge in an industry that is more competitive then ever before. His true passion lies with the drum set which is where it all started for him. He is currently on tour with numerous groups, such as singer/songwriter Hank Weaver, My Nextdoor Neighbor, and the Cameron Sacky Band. He also works with the Jordan Kahn Music Company which is a private corporate band company. He occasionally performs as an orchestral percussionist with various ensembles and theatre companies in the Hill Country, such as the Millennial Choir Orchestra and the Penfold Theatre Company. When it comes to teaching, he leads his own drum set studio and works with multiple high schools throughout the Austin area as a percussion instructor.