East Panhandle Times

Composer Quincy Hilliard visited schools in Berkeley County, including Martinsburg South Middle School, to work with student bands. Known for his compositions and passion for teaching, Hilliard is a professor at the University of Louisiana.

Hilliard first connected with the school during a regional competition last year. His annual trips to schools in Virginia, West Virginia, and surrounding areas prompted him to reach out to band directors in Berkeley County.

"I'm teaching them good music techniques to use not just when they play my music but all music," said Hilliard. "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 began his musical journey in a school band and later pursued a Ph.D. in music theory and composition. He enjoys seeing students and band directors grow from his teachings.

Heather Nowell, the band director at Martinsburg South Middle School, embraced the opportunity as her students were already learning one of Hilliard's compositions, "Out of Darkness." "The kids were really looking forward to this," Nowell stated. "They were a bit starstruck because you don't always get an opportunity like this."

Eighth-grade trombone players Marcellus Crawford and Jayden Paxton expressed excitement about working with Hilliard. They learned skills such as correct positioning of music stands and posture practice.

"If I make a mistake, I know he will correct it, but I still don't want to mess up," Crawford shared. "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 during his time in Berkeley County. Nowell hopes this collaboration will continue for future students.