Ocoee band director a semifinalist for 2026 Grammy

Bernard “Bernie” Hendricks Jr. is one of 25 semifinalists for the 2026 Grammy Music Educator Award.

By Liz Ramos
| 11:37 a.m. October 10, 2025

Bernard “Bernie” Hendricks Jr. is Ocoee High’s first and only band director.

Observer School Zone
News

He's done it again!

Bernard "Bernie" Hendricks Jr., the band director at Ocoee High School, once again is up for a Grammy Music Educator Award.

Hendricks was a finalist for the 2025 Grammy Music Educator Award. For 2026, he has been announced as one of 25 semifinalists in the country.

This national award is from the Recording Academy and Grammy Museum and honors teachers who have made an exceptional impact on music education.

Hendricks has served as Ocoee High’s first and only band director since the school opened in 2005.

author

Liz Ramos

Managing Editor Liz Ramos previously covered education and community for the East County Observer. Before moving to Florida, Liz was an education reporter for the Lynchburg News & Advance in Virginia for two years after graduating from the Missouri School of Journalism.