After 30 years of directing the Mighty Sound of the South SydneyMcKay is stepping down.
Or more accurately, he is stepping aside. McKay elected toretire from his position as band director at the end of thissemester but will remain at The University of Memphis as aninstructor.
"Dr. McKay has been revered for 30 years, and he will remain apart of The U of M community," said Kay Yager, music admissions andmarketing coordinator.
Yager said McKay has done a tremendous job and has just decidedto take on fewer responsibilities.
"Sydney has been great. He was a tremendous help to me when Icame to The U of M (three years ago). He has been very supportiveand given me the space and freedom that I needed," said NicholasHolland, associate director of bands at The U of M.
Holland said despite McKay's decision to retire, the banddirecting staff will remain committed to excellence.
Kraig Williams will soon be part of that commitment. Williamshas been appointed as director of bands and associate professor ofconducting.
Williams will start at The U of M, transferring from theUniversity of Texas, Austin, in July. He will receive his doctor ofMusical Arts degree in May.
Williams is a graduate of California State University, SanBernardino, and received his master's degree in instrumentalconducting from California State University, Northridge.
Previously, Williams taught at Duke University and the BrevardSummer Music Institute in North Carolina.
When he arrives this summer, Williams will direct the master'sand doctoral level programs in instrumental conducting. His otherduties will include directing the Mighty Sound of the South, theSymphonic Wind Ensemble and the basketball pep bands.
Holland said he, Williams and the rest of the band conductingstaff share the same goals, one of which is recognition.
"As the band directing staff, Williams will assist us in helpingthe
School of Music develop a national name," Holland said.
