David Herman was the Trustees Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Music and university organist. He joined the University of Delaware faculty in 1987 as chair of the School of Music (then the Department of Music), and he served in that position for 14 years.
During his time at the University, Dr. Herman oversaw the donation of the Edward and Naomi Jefferson Pipe Organ in Bayard Sharp Hall, on which he performed his Bach's Lunch Recital series for more than a decade. He also established the Music for Awhile concert series and the University Carol Service every December.
Dr. Herman led numerous Winter Session study abroad programs to London, Oxford Canterbury, Bath, Winchester, Windsor and St. Albans, and he performed extensively in Germany, England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland and throughout the United States. In 2006 he was awarded an Established Artist Fellowship by the Delaware Arts Council, which he used to study and record music by Hugo Distler and Jan Bender, publishing The Life and Work of Jan Bender as well as numerous articles in professional journals. An active church musician for more than 50 years, in 2007 he received the doctor of music, honoris causa, from Nashotah House, an Episcopal seminary, for his contributions to the field of church music.
Dr. Herman is remembered by colleagues. Danny Stevens, interim director and professor of music theory, School of Music: “During my first trip to UD as a job finalist, it was David who picked me up from the airport. He immediately put me at ease before engaging in a spirited discussion about teaching music theory, one peppered with delightful stories about his own decades-long experience in the classroom. I remember thinking on that car ride from Philadelphia to Newark that if this man, who was my first impression of UD, was any indication of the quality and kindness of the faculty in the Department of Music, this is a place I would be delighted to call home. I know he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him."
Jennifer Barker, professor of composition: “David was a self-professed 'Britophile' even to the point that his dry humor and wit was exceptionally British! That was my first, immediate connection to David. One of his most favorite stories to relay was his first post-sabbatical day back in the music office. That day he decided to dress in a full gorilla costume. Unfortunately for him he had not anticipated a summons from the dean! His sense of humor was the spark that ignited a great friendship and the making of wonderful memories including team-teaching sophomore theory classes; hanging out with 'the theory guys' on the third floor; recording his performances for videos; taking my orchestration class over to B# for his annual organ demonstration; playing duets with him on the Longwood Carillon; solving Sibelius dilemmas in his composition scores; and taking him on a concert tour of Scotland. But most of all, I cherish thousands of wonderful conversations about music, academia and organs. I will miss him greatly!"
A memorial service will be held on May 18, 2024. Read David Herman's obituary.​
Article by CAS Communications Staff​
