UCHS Band

Will Stafford, Band Director at Union County High School in Blairsville, GA, has been director since 2013. A graduate of Union County High School, Mr. Stafford pursued and received a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and a Bachelor of Music in Music Performance from the University of Kentucky in Lexington, KY.

While at the University of Kentucky, Mr. Stafford performed with world-renowned musicians, Branford Marsalis, Joe Lovano, Bob Mintzer, and Ron Jones. In addition, he toured Europe with the University of Kentucky Jazz Ensemble, playing at the North Sea, Montreux, and Beaujolais Jazz Festivals. He has also performed in the Selmer Saxophone Showroom in France, as well as the 2012 Jazz Education Network Conference, in Louisville, KY.

Mr. Stafford worked as an instructor with the West Jessamine High School “Colts” Marching Band while in college for 3 years. He helped lead this group to their first KMEA State Marching Band Finals appearance in school history. In addition, he helped lead several of his private students to success at the KMEA All-State Audition Process.

While in college, Mr. Stafford served as a conductor/clinician for the Central Kentucky New Horizons Band. He was also selected from his peers as 1 of 2 Conductors/Clinicians for the University of Kentucky Concert Band.

In his final semester of college, Mr. Stafford student taught with Lois Wiggins, master band director, and KMEA Elementary/Middle School Band Chair for Instrumental Music. Ms. Wiggins is also the Band Content Area Leader for Fayette County Public Schools. Ms. Wiggins was named KMEA Middle School Teacher of the year in 2000.

Mr. Stafford, his wife, Emily, and their daughters, Lydia and Hazel, are very excited to be in Georgia, and are looking forward to continuing to build a program of musical excellence.