It is an honor to serve the band directors and students of Texas. Being asked to join the Board of Directors is a responsibility that I accept with pleasure and respect for all the educators we represent. Over the years, this association has evolved as an advocate for music teachers and students, an educational tool, and meeting place for Texas band directors to sharetheir commitment, concerns, and educational expertise.
I will work diligently to move our organization forward in the years ahead.

I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to people who have influenced and inspired me personally and professionally. Thanks to the most significant people in my life: my wife Lucinda and my son Baylor, and to my parents, Armando and Hilary. In El Paso, three band directors were instrumental in my decision to become an educator: Kenny Capshaw, Jesse Lotspeich, and Joe Dove. My college experience at West Texas State University was enriched and blessed due to an outstanding human being and educator Dr. Gary Garner. Other wonderful influences at WT were Harry Haines and Joe Cox.

My teaching career began in Rankin, a Class A school, as assistant director to Gordon Shultz. As the head director at Rankin, I was fortunate to get much needed advice and encouragement from Charles Nail, J.R. McEntrye, Dan Gibbs, Wes May, G.T. Gilligan, Randy Storie, Rick Miller, Lucky Floyd, Tom Dillon, Ray Lashaway, Jimmy Rhodes, and Scott Mason. These men forged my early career and showed me what excellencein education truly means. Over the years, I have known and worked with many wonderful teachers whose passion, devotion and enthusiasm have helped me strive for success. Thank you to Bill and Jamie Shipp, Cindy Bullock, Bonnie Anderson, Barry Hurt, Keith Bearden, O.T. Ryan, J.W. King, Robert Rubio, Jesse Cuellar, Rey Meza, Leland Sharrock, James Miculka, Gary Rosenblatt, Ben Chasan, and Danny Solis, for their encouragement and support.

A very special thanks to all of the wonderful students who have come into my life and have shown me what dedication, determination and desire is all about. Again, thank you for allowing me the privilege to serve on the Board of Directors of Texas Bandmasters Association.

Richard Herrera