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Michael Hackbarth became the director of bands at James Madison High School in 2001. Currently in his fifteenth year at James Madison High School, he is the director for the Wind Symphony, the Symphonic Band, the Jazz Ensemble, and “The Pride of Vienna” Marching Band. Before his tenure at James Madison, Mr. Hackbarth was the Director of Bands at Lakeland High School in Lakeland, Florida and the Associate Band Director at Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, Florida.
Under Mr. Hackbarth’s baton, the Madison Band program has sustained its National tradition of excellence. The Wind Symphony has earned superior ratings at all adjudicated events since his arrival and performed at the National Concert Band Festival in 2003 and in 2008. The JMHS Wind Symphony was the featured performing ensemble at the 2005 Virginia Music Educator's state conference. In 2011 James Madison High School Band Program received the prestigious Sudler Flag of Honor for the John Philip Sousa Foundation for the 2nd time in school history. The Sudler Flag is considered to be the highest accolade for a high school band in the United States. James Madison is one of only 65 bands to ever receive this award, and one of only 5 bands to receive this honor twice.
The “Pride of Vienna” Marching Band consistently received superior ratings and numerous awards for their performances under the direction of Mr. Hackbarth. Over the years the Marching Band has become a 15-time Bands of America Regional and Super-Regional Finalist – placing in the top 5 in regional competitions more than any other band in Virginia of the past decade. The JMHS band program has been named a State of Virginia Honor Band eleven times since Mr. Hackbarth's arrival.
Mr. Hackbarth graduated summa cum laude from Florida State University earning a Bachelors of Music Education and a Certificate of Saxophone Performance. He was the 2011 James Madison High School Triple-I Teacher of the Year. Mr. Hackbarth is a 2005 and 2003 recipient of the National Band Association “Citation of Excellence” and was named as the 2003 Virginia representative of “50 Directors Who Make a Difference” by School Band and Orchestra Magazine. Mr. Hackbarth's professional affiliations include the National Band Association, the Music Educator's National Conference, and the Virginia Band and Orchestra Director's Association. He currently resides in Burke, Virginia with his wife Kim, daughter Hailey, son Hunter, and their lovely cat - CupCake.
