Rate My Professor Joseph Hermann

Joseph Hermann served as Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Tennessee Technological University from 1989 to 2017, elevating the program to national prominence during his 28-year tenure. He directed the University Marching Band, Symphony Band, Concert Band, Pep Band, and Golden Eagle Brass, leading ensembles on more than 50 tours throughout the United States and Europe. Under his leadership, the Tennessee Tech Symphony Band performed as featured ensembles at state, regional, and national conventions, with interpretations broadcast on National Public Radio. Recordings of his bands, serving as references for music educators, were released through publishers and on the Mark Custom label, including Slide Ride: Works for Solo Trombone and Band (2005) with Joshua Hauser, Tennessee Tech Pride (2003) with Tim Northcut, and Discovery: Emerging and Celebrated Repertoire for Solo Saxophone and Band Volume I (2002) with James Spinazolla. Hermann championed new music for winds, premiering numerous works and participating in commissioning projects.

Hermann earned his degrees from Drake University, studying under Professor Don R. Marcouiller. Prior to Tennessee Tech, he was Associate Director of Bands and Director of the Pride of Arizona Marching Band at the University of Arizona, Assistant Director of Bands and Director of the Marching Hundred at Indiana University, and Director of Bands at East Tennessee State University. His early career included directing the Dowling High School Band in West Des Moines, Iowa, supervising the Des Moines Catholic Instrumental Music Program, and serving as Educational Director for Bands of America and McCormick’s Enterprises in Chicago. A sought-after conductor, adjudicator, and clinician, he presented clinics and conducted in over 30 states, Canada, Japan, and the Netherlands. Hermann was elected to the American Bandmasters Association in 1996, serving on its Board of Directors, as Vice President in 2007, President Elect in 2008, and President until 2010. His honors include induction into the National Band Association Hall of Fame in 2022, Tennessee Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame in 2015, Tennessee Tech’s Outstanding Faculty Award for Professional Service in 2008, and the Kappa Kappa Psi Distinguished Service to Music Medal in Conducting in 2008. He edited New Music Reviews for the Tennessee Musician, served on the Tennessee Music Educators Association board, and helped develop the Tennessee Conductors Symposium.