This session will detail how kindness and collaboration can lead to excellence. Come uncover useful ways to connect with students, new tips on how to build culture so students make the program their own, strategies to responsibly give students autonomy over their program and create buy-in, and new ways to collaborate with your department so that your entire team can be successful. You will walk away from this session reenergized with new ideas that you can put into practice immediately.
John Hermanson
- Biographical Information
John Hermanson is in his 12th year as the Director of Orchestras at Fort Collins High School and 19th year of teaching. His program consists of four orchestras auditioned by level, Pit Orchestra and AP Music Theory.
Mr. Hermanson’s ensembles consistently receive superior ratings at state festivals and have a long history of invitations to perform at state festivals, national festivals, and abroad. In March of 2024 and 2020, the FCHS Symphony Orchestra performed at the Music for All Festival in Indianapolis, IN. In May of 2023, the FCHS Music Department toured Europe, attending seven professional performances in London and Paris. In March of 2018, the FCHS Music Department toured Australia with 215 people. In January of 2016, 2018, 2022, and 2025, FCHS Orchestras performed at the CMEA. In March of 2015, the FCHS Music Department toured Europe, performing in Salzburg, Vienna, and Prague. Many students are accepted to Colorado All State Orchestra and Western States Honor Orchestra annually. Creating the best possible orchestra experience for students is Mr. Hermanson’s highest priority.
Originally from Rapid City, SD, Mr. Hermanson moved to Colorado in 2001. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education, a Bachelor of Music Performance, a Master of Conducting, and a Master of Education degree, all from Colorado State University. Mr. Hermanson is past chair of Colorado All State Orchestra and Chair of the Colorado ASTA Large Group Orchestra Festival. Prior to FCHS, Mr. Hermanson taught at Summit High School and Conifer High School. He resides in Fort Collins with his wife, Anna.