About Mr. Tillman

Joshua Tillman | Director of Bands | Fountain Inn High School

Welcome to the Band of Fury! I am excited to serve as the founding Director of Bands at Fountain Inn High School. This is my sixth year at Fountain Inn, and I am proud of the growth, accomplishments, and traditions we continue to build together. It is an honor to be part of the Fountain Inn High School family and to work with such talented students, supportive families, and dedicated staff.

I am a native of Columbia, South Carolina, where I attended Hand Middle School and Dreher High School (Class of 1999—Go Blue Devils!).

Before joining Fountain Inn High School, I served as Director of Bands at Southside High School in Greenville, South Carolina, for eight years. During my tenure, the Southside Tiger Pride Band consistently earned Superior ratings at the South Carolina Band Directors Association (SCBDA) Concert Performance Assessment, and the marching band regularly qualified for the SCBDA State Marching Band Championships.

Prior to my high school teaching career, I served as an adjunct trumpet professor at Coastal Carolina University in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina. I have also taught private trumpet lessons throughout North and South Carolina, with students consistently earning placements in Region and All-State bands.

As a trumpet performer, I have had the opportunity to perform with a variety of well-known artists, including The Temptations, The Moody Blues, The Irish Tenors, and The Tams. I have also performed with symphony orchestras throughout North and South Carolina.

My educational background includes a Bachelor of Music Education (2003) and a Master of Music in Trumpet Performance (2005) from the University of South Carolina, followed by a Performance Artist’s Diploma from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts in 2006.

I am a member of the South Carolina Band Directors Association (SCBDA) and the South Carolina Music Educators Association (SCMEA). I believe music education is about more than learning notes and rhythms. It is about building character, developing teamwork, pursuing excellence, and creating lasting memories through music.

I live in Simpsonville, South Carolina, with my wife, Kendra, and our two sons, Noah and David. When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family.

• Favorite Color: Green

• Favorite Candy: Sour Apple Blow Pops

• Favorite Drink: Dunkin Coffee

• Favorite Food: Chipotle

• Favorite Activity: BAND!

• Favorite Band Piece: O Magnum Mysterium — Listen here

• Favorite Band Composer: Frank Ticheli

• Favorite Music Group: Earth, Wind & Fire

• Favorite Drum Corps: Carolina Crown — Watch here

• Favorite Movie: The Last Dragon

• Favorite TV Show: Sanford and Son

• Favorite Marvel Characters: Iron Man and the Hulk

• Favorite Sports Team: All things Gamecocks!

• Favorite Book: Anything by Stephen King

I am grateful to be part of the Fountain Inn High School community and look forward to continuing to build a program centered on musical excellence, teamwork, tradition, and pride. Thank you for being part of our journey!

Go Band of Fury!