In nominating her for the award, University of Tennessee at Martin Interim Chancellor Robert Smith attributed Hill’s teaching to the University becoming a national draw for young performance musicians. “Her modeling of the way has led to a reinvigorating of the entire department and attraction of more majors as well as non-majors who share a love of music and performance,” Smith wrote.
She also established the Roots of Rhythm program, which exposes young people to the culture and music of Latin American and African nations. Hill has earned the UT Martin Cunningham Outstanding Teacher/Scholar Award, the Hardy Graham Distinguished Professorship Award, and the UT Alumni Association Outstanding Teacher Award.
Dr. Hill is a Grover Pro Endorser and performs around the world with Caixa Percussion Trio and regionally with the Paducah Symphony, Jackson Symphony, and Lexington Philharmonic. She is the current President of the Percussive Arts Society.
From all your friends at Grover Pro – Congrats Julie!
Julie Hill was my band teacher at Bellwood Elementary from 2001-2003. She was by far the best band director ever! She is a hardworking, talented, and motivated woman! She created our steel band group Steel De Boro!! Man those were the days, I miss them so much! I definitely nominate this phenomenal lady to receive the Educate Award for 2016!