OCOEE, Fla. — Inside the band room at Ocoee High School, jazz, classical, and marching tunes fill the air, and at the helm of it all is a man who has dedicated nearly three decades to shaping young musicians.
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Ocoee High music director and recent finalist for the prestigious Grammy Music Educator Award, Bernie Hendricks Jr.
“This is fun, my job is fun. I’m nominated for an award for a job I love to do,” said Hendricks.
Hendricks was one of ten finalists selected from thousands of nominees. The Grammy Music Educator Award, presented by the Recording Academy and Grammy Museum, recognizes teachers who have made a lasting impact in music education.
Sunday, the winner was announced, and although Hendricks did not win the final award, the outpouring of love from his students and the community proved that his impact reached far beyond any accolade.
Hendricks started his journey 28 years ago at Robinswood Middle School, where he first introduced students to the power of music.
It was then he learned music education was more than just teaching notes—it was about nurturing confidence, discipline, and resilience.
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“It’s a responsibility, not only as a black man, but a black band director. It’s a responsibility to show these young people,” said Hendricks.
When Ocoee High School opened in 2005, Hendricks was chosen to spearhead the music department, building it from the ground up. Under his leadership, the program grew into one of the most respected in Central Florida, producing award-winning ensembles and musicians who have gone on to perform at the collegiate and professional levels.
At Ocoee High, where 85.2% of the student body is from minority backgrounds, Hendricks saw his role as more than just a teacher but a mentor, motivator, and role model.
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“They deserve to have every opportunity that we can give them. And if it happens to be training up a kid, the kid may not be the smartest, but they play the breaks off of their tuba, then let’s find a way to get this kid to college so he can [go] do something successful. That’s the passion for what we do,” Hendricks said.
The day after the Grammy winner announcement, Hendricks posted on social media thanking everyone for their support and congratulating the winner.
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“It truly is an honor coming from over 2000 applications! Congratulations to ALL of the finalists, and a HUGE Thank You to the Grammy Museum and Foundation for not only the recognition but also [for] creating this platform and advocating for Music/Arts Education in our schools.” said Hendricks
He told Channel 9′s Daryl Matthews that regardless of the outcome of the votes, he wanted to have a barbeque and celebrate the accomplishment, and just to make it as a finalist shows the impact of his role as a leader on campus is not lost.
Grammy or not, his students, Ocoee staff, and the Ocoee community know the truth: Mr. Hendricks is more than an educator. He’s a legend.
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