Steven H. Gillespie has worked to make instrumental music and the arts an integral part of the curriculum for schools in Greenville County for forty years. A graduate of Parker High School, he received his initial instruction from Ty Boling, Jack Pruitt, and James B. Senn. His primary influence in the band field has been “Jimmy” Senn, who became a mentor for Steven and many other band directors in our state. He also graduated from Furman University, where he was privileged to study with Mr. Dan Ellis and Mr. Larry Cook.
He began his teaching career at Berea High School and also taught at Greenville High School. The majority of his teaching career has been in the Greer community, where he taught for 30 years at Greer High School and is in his fifth year at Greer Middle School. He was named “Director Emeritus” for the Greer High School Band. Steven was named a Greenville County District Finalist for “Teacher of the Year” in 1977. While at Greer High School, he has been the site chairman for the Region Band Auditions.
Steven proudly served our nation as a Fort Jackson (South Carolina) Army Band member. He also studied and taught music classes at the Military School of Music in Little Creek, Virginia.
Steven has served as Lead Band Director for Greenville County Schools for more than 20 years. During this time, he has coordinated the All County Honor Band Program and has secured internationally known clinicians for this annual event. He enjoys partnering with the other district band directors to make this annual event both musically educational and enriching as a performance. Steven is a Phi Beta Mu, SCBDA, SCMEA, and MENC member. He has served on the Phi Beta Mu Scholarship Committee. Steven and his wife Louise reside in Greer with their children, Matthew, David, and Katie.