Music educator honored by Yuba orchestra

In acknowledgement of his many years of outstanding leadership, commitment, guidance and friendship, the Sierra Nevada Winds board of directors has unanimously appointed William "Bill" Hill as its conductor laureate. Hill was the principal conductor of the Winds from 1996 to 2010. During his tenure, he brought the ensemble to a high level of musical excellence, according to a media release. Hill, a long-time Newcastle resident, retired in 1992 as director of bands at Sierra College. He has remained active in music education and is in demand as a guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator. He was co-founder of the Donner Mine Music Camp and served as co-director until his retirement in 2010. Among the awards Hill has received are the Outstanding Music Educators Award from the California Music Educators, Capital Section, the California Band Directors' Distinguished Service Award and the Sierra College President's Award. He is a member of numerous music organizations and is the past president of the California Band Directors Association and the Capital Section of the California Music Educators Association. In 1991, Hill was inducted into the California Music Educators Association Hall of Fame. On Saturday, Nov. 19, Hill will conduct "Tam O'Shanter" by Malcolm Arnold at the Sierra Nevada Winds Fall Concert. The performance is set for 8 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 3101 Colusa Highway , Yuba City . For more information, call (530) 269-0395 or visit www.sierranevadawinds.org.