Ed Richards is one of the founders and co-directors of the Community Band. When he isn't conducting the band, he plays low brass and/or bassoon.

Since 1978, he has been Director of Music and Bandmaster at Randolph-Macon Academy where he directs the award winning Randolph-Macon Academy Air Force Junior ROTC Band. At R-MA, he is also Chairman of the Fine Arts Department, he teaches Band in the Upper School and Band, Beginning Woodwinds, Beginning Brass and Beginning Percussion in the Middle School, and he co-ordinates the private lessons program. In addition to his duties at the Academy, Ed is treasurer of the Military School Band Association and organizer of the Association's annual Military School Band Festival, a three day clinic for the top musicians and directors from military academies and colleges from across the nation.

Ed is a native of Williamsburg, Virginia where he graduated from James Blair High School in 1973. He earned the Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Shenandoah College and Conservatory of Music in Winchester, Virginia in 1977 and the Master of Music Education Degree from Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University in 2000.

Ed's band has traveled extensively throughout the United States and has won numerous championships and awards. His personal honors and awards include Outstanding Educator at Randolph-Macon Academy by The United Methodist Foundation for Christian Higher Education in 2000, Exemplary Teacher Award from The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church in 1997, Honorary Conductor of The Citadel Regimental Band and Pipes in 1994, and Teacher of the Year at Randolph-Macon Academy in 1986.

Thanks to Ed, R-MA is a sponsor of the Community Band and provides many services for us. We practice in R-MA's music room and use their equipment both for rehearsals and concerts. We often hold our Christmas concert at the Academy.

Ed Richards' biography on the Randolph-Macon Academy website.