Originally from northern California, began studying the violin at age 10. Currently he is studying composition at the University of Texas at Austin. Previously, he earned Master's and Bachelor's degrees from the University of Colorado at Boulder and Cal State Long Beach.

Awards have come from SCI/ASCAP, NEA, Vermont Arts Council, the Boulder Youth Symphony and others. Every summer, Hermes serves on the faculty of the Sacramento Youth Symphony Chamber Music Workshop.

Currently, Hermes lives in Austin, Texas with his wife, Jaclyn, and their two cats, Mango and Nigel (no joke, they both came named).

I think Bernstein stated it best when he said:
"Music can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable."

and there's also

"If winning isn't everything, then why do they keep score?"
-- Vince Lombardi, Hall of Fame NFL Coach

Song Cycle for 2 Sopranos and Chamber Ensemble (in progress)
Things Women Yell at Market, song cycle (19 minutes)
lambent of orchestra (10 minutes)
Balanae for tape (60 seconds)
Suite Bennington for 7 players (9 minutes)