Bill Young retired in 2005 after leading the Walterboro High School and Colleton County High School Band of Blue for 32 years. He is a native of Allendale, SC. He received his B.A. degree in education from the University of South Carolina and his Master of Education degree in school administration and supervision from the Citadel.
Under his leadership, the “Band of Blue” won the South Carolina State Marching Band Championships in 1982, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, and 1997. The “Band of Blue” has performed for one presidential inaugural and for the past four gubernatorial inaugurals. In 1994, The Band of Blue marched in the 105th Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, and most recently, The Band of Blue was featured in the 74th Macy*s 2000 Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Mr. Young is a past president of the South Carolina Band Directors Association. His professional affiliations include the Music Educators National Conference, Phi Beta Mu Honorary Band Masters Fraternity, South Carolina Music Educators Association, and the South Carolina Band Directors Association.
Mr. Young currently serves as mayor of the city of Walterboro. He served on the Walterboro City Council since 1989. In 1999, the South Carolina Band Directors Association inducted Mr. Young into the SCBDA Hall of Fame. Mr. Young has won more state marching band championships than any other active band director in South Carolina. He also received the 2002 Phi Beta Mu Outstanding Bandmaster Award. Mr. Young was recently inducted into the 2007 SCMEA Hall of Fame. Mr. Young is married to the former Janice Morris of Charleston. Mr. and Mrs. Young have four children, Margaret, Bill, Dodd, and Meggie. Mr. Young has two grandsons, Walker and Jostin.