Michael Hackbarth, in his seventh year as the Director of Bands at James Madison High School, serves as the Performing Arts Department Coordinator, director for the Wind Symphony, the Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Instrumental Techniques, and ‘The Pride of Vienna” Marching Band. Prior to arriving at James Madison, Mr. Hackbarth was the Director of Bands at Lakeland High School in Lakeland, Florida for four years and the Associate Band Director at Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, Florida for two and one-half years.

Under Mr. Hackbarth’s direction, the Madison Band program continues its long tradition of excellence. The Wind Symphony has earned superior ratings at all adjudicated events since his arrival and performed at the 2003 National Concert Band Festival.  JMHS Wind Symphony was the featured performing ensemble at the 2005 Virginia Music Educators conference.  The “Pride of Vienna” Marching Band consistently receives superior ratings and numerous awards for their performances.  The marching band was a Bands of America Regional Finalist at the Towson University Regional in 2006 and 2007 and the 2007 USSBA Northern Virginia and Mid-Atlantic Regional Champion. The JMHS band program has been named a State of Virginia Honor Band for the past six years.

Mr. Hackbarth graduated summa cum laude from Florida State University earning a
Bachelors of Music Education and a Certificate of Saxophone Performance.  He 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 and daughter Hailey.