Richard Holmes graduated from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina in 1989 with a Bachelor of Music Education Degree. He studied with Dr. William Malambri while attending Winthrop. He also graduated from Appalachian State University in Boone with a Master of Music – concentration in Band Directing. While attending ASU, he studied with Dr. Jay Jackson and Dr. William Gora.

Mr. Holmes is in his 22nd year of teaching and is currently in his ninth year teaching at Grandview Middle School in Hickory, North Carolina. Bands under his direction have consistently earned “Superior” and “Excellent” ratings both for marching and concert band. Band programs under his direction also grew in numbers and quality as large numbers of students in his bands participated in activities such as All-County Honors Band, All-District Band, All-State Honors Band and Solo and Ensemble MPA.

Mr. Holmes has served in many leadership roles during his teaching career. He is currently serving as the Treasurer, Webmaster and co-chair of the All-District Band Clinic for the South Central District Bandmasters Association. Mr. Holmes is serving as the Immediate Past-President of the North Carolina Bandmasters Association and is also serving as President-Elect of the North Carolina Music Educators Association. Other professional memberships include: North Carolina Association of Educators, National Association for Music Education, North Carolina Music Educators Association, South Central District Bandmasters Association, American School Band Directors Association and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

Some of Mr. Holmes’ personal honors include receiving the 2004 Award of Excellence for the South Central District, being recognized by Who's Who Among America's Teachers for many years from nominations of former students. Mr. Holmes has also served as a clinician for several All-County Honor Bands in North Carolina and has judged marching band and concert band assessments in North Carolina and Virginia.