William Kilgore

William Kilgore has recently retired after thirty years in the profession. He served as a music educator in Jackson County for nearly a quarter of a century and finished his career as the Director of Bands at Jackson County High School. Mr. Kilgore, a native of Milledgeville, Georgia received his Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Educational Leadership degrees from the University of Georgia. Also Mr. Kilgore earned his Specialist degree from Piedmont College. Over his career, he has taught music on the elementary, middle and high school levels. He has been a guest lecturer for colleges and universities. Mr. Kilgore is an active guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator throughout the Southeastern United States. For decades, Mr. Kilgore has helped marching bands, jazz bands, concert bands, praise bands, choirs and individual musicians maximize their potential.

Mr. Kilgore has earned several awards and honors throughout his professional career including “Teacher of the Year” at multiple schools and the 2024 GMEA District 14 Music Educator of the Year. Mr. Kilgore has been featured as “One of the Fifty Music Educators who make a Difference” in the School Band and Orchestra Magazine. He has been awarded multiple Citations of Excellence by the National Band Association and most recently received the NBA’s “Outstanding Jazz Educator Award.” His professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Education, the Georgia Music Educators Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and Phi Beta Mu.

Bands under his direction have performed at the GMEA Conference, UGA Midfest, SEUS Honor Band Clinic and many other venues and events throughout the Southeast. His bands have accumulated an enviable record of the highest ratings at GMEA Performance Evaluations. Students under Mr. Kilgore’s direction have been awarded many high honors and have been selected to perform with some of the most elite state and national performing ensembles. Many of his former students have successful careers in music and many others are advocating for music education in their adulthood.

Mr. Kilgore has served on the staff of Encore! Band Camps for more than fifteen years and is a co-owner of Encore!. Mr. Kilgore has served as Worship Leader for over thirty years and is currently serving Briarwood Baptist Church. Mr. Kilgore enjoys singing and playing his tuba with the Sons of Jubal when time allows. William has also been a member of the Briarwood Brothers Quartet who have performed for thousands and twice recorded albums in Nashville, Tennessee.

William and his wife of thirty years, Ora, reside in Statham, Georgia and are proud of their three talented sons and daughter in law: Christian (Hannah), Micah, and Bill.