Mr. Hill has been a band and music director since 1958 at several high schools in Greater Cincinnati, including Lloyd Memorial, Newport High, Western Hills High, and St. Henry. He has also been the Choir Director and Pianist at his Methodist Church for 20 years, and a professional musician for 40 years, performing in dance bands, Broadway musicals, jazz ensembles, and a wide variety of theatre productions and popular entertainment venues.

The SHDHS Band Program presents concerts throughout the year, and participates in the annual Spring Musical. Recent performances also include “Twelve on Tour” at the Erlanger Train Depot and Rupp Arena. There are currently over 60 students involved in our band program or taking private music lessons with Mr. Hill after school. The SHDHS Pep Band performs at most home gym athletic events and pep rallies. There is also a SHDHS Jazz Ensemble which plays a limited number of engagements at local events. The school offers Beginning Band, Advanced Band, and after school lessons. Mr. Hill enjoys a popular reputation as a very effective teacher. “Mr. Hill is amazing. He teaches us so much, so fast! I didn’t even know what a trombone was when I first came here, and now I know how to read music and sit first chair,” says Matt Chestnut.

Our SHDHS band program graduates clearly reflect Mr. Hill’s teaching skills. Mike Zdinak learned to play the saxophone as a senior, graduated, and then walked onto a position with the University of Cincinnati Marching Band. Many of our students have graduated on gone on to study music at the collegiate level. “I’m very proud of my students, and I believe that any one with the right attitude can learn to play a musical instrument.” SHDHS is certainly glad to have a teacher like Mr. Hill in our ranks.