By: Ainsley Hall
Martinsburg South Middle School invited composer Quincy Hilliard to come work with the band on Thursday.
Hilliard is a professor at the University of Louisiana and is known for his many compositions and passion for teaching music to others.
Hilliard first visited the school last year during the regional competition. He met many of the band directors and worked with students during the event. So, when Hilliard began planning for his yearly trip to visit schools in Virginia, West Virginia, and the surrounding area, he decided to reach out to some of the directors in Berkeley County to see if they were interested.
“I’m teaching them good music techniques to use not just when they play my music but all music,” Hilliard said. “They are a good group of kids and remind me of myself when I was their age. That’s why I enjoy working with them.”
Hilliard shared that he started playing music, just like many of the students, by joining the school band. He fell in love with music and eventually went to college to study to become a music teacher before earning his Ph.D. in music theory and composition. He loves seeing students pick up what he teaches them and loves seeing band directors grow, as well. The more directors learn and improve at teachers, the more students will grow.
Heather Nowell, band director at Martinsburg South Middle School, was one of the directors who jumped at the opportunity. She is always looking for new opportunities for her students to develop their skills. The band was already learning one of Hilliard’s compositions named “Out of Darkness,” so having the chance to learn from him was a great chance to grow.
“The kids were really looking forward to this,” Nowell said. “They were a bit starstruck, because you don’t always get an opportunity like this.”
Eighth-grade trombone players Marcellus Crawford and Jayden Paxton shared that they were nervous and excited to work with Hilliard. During his visit, Hilliard taught Crawford and Paxton how to position their music stands correctly, how to practice their posture, and many other important skills they can use as they continue to play music.
“If I make a mistake, I know he will correct it, but I still don’t want to mess up,” Crawford said. “It’s not that I’m scared, but I want to try to impress him.”
Hilliard also visited Saint Joseph School and Spring Mills Middle School while he was in Berkeley County. Nowell hopes this new connection will continue for many years to come, giving future students new opportunities.