Fernandina mourns the passing of Jonathan Hill - 'The Pride of Stetson'

Submitted by Susan Hardee Steger

April 25, 2015 4:00 p.m.

Former graduates of Fernandina Beach High School (FBHS), family, and friends are mourning the death of Jonathan H. "Bud" Hill, who for 20 years served as band director of the award winning high school band. Mr. Hill was a Stetson graduate and for years his alma mater's march "Pride of Stetson" was the FBHS fight song.

Mr Hill brought music to our town. During the 1950's and 1960's when the population of Fernandina ranged from 5000 to 7000, he taught hundreds of students how to play musical instruments. He was devoted to his students.

Although Mr. Hill was not a frustrated composer turned high school orchestra leader as portrayed by Richard Dreyfuss  in "Mr Holland's Opus," those who knew Mr. Hill saw a connection.  He was Fernandina's Mr. Holland.

In addition to band practice five times a week, the marching band practiced after school on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, stage band was on Wednesday afternoons, and pep band on Friday afternoons. Mr. Hill's schedule was full. In the summer, optional band practice was held and he taught private lessons. In the corner of the band room he placed numerous tools to tackle instrument repairs.  He was a dedicated teacher!

Mr. Hill was a natural conductor. He looked the part. He stood erect, held his baton high, and brought just the right balance, tone, and emotion to the piece he directed. There was no one better.

Jonathan Hill's FBHS Band lead by the Class of 1966.

Music requires discipline, and Mr. Hill made sure his students arrived at band practice on time and ready to go. The students were not always perfect. Some were prone to mischief (hurling spitballs at the bass drum was a popular sport), and rehearsals did not always go well. Yet Mr. Hill ended his band practice with a respectful, "Thank you very much."

On occasion he displayed great wit. "We are a military band," he often said. "We are not going to form a fish and play scales, or form a jackass and play Our Band Director's March." Mr. Hill spent hours on the football field preparing his students for upcoming performances with his megaphone always at his side.

There were trips to district and state contests where straight superior ratings in sightreading, concert band and marching band were the norm. The return trip home called for a great small town celebration. The incoming buses was met with a police escort. As sirens blared, a parade of cars and happy families followed to offer congratulations. It was a privilege and fun to be in Mr Hill's band.

Although some of Mr Hill's students still enjoy playing, most have not picked up an instrument since high school. All of the past hours of practice were not wasted. His students took with them a life long appreciation and love of music.  In addition, there were many life lessons learned with the greatest being through practice and hard work, you can accomplish most anything.

So "thank you very much" Mr Hill for sharing your love of music with your students and community, for the great memories, and for the many gifts you have given to us. We are forever grateful.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 2nd at the First Baptist Church of Fernandina Beach with Pastor Jackie Hayes officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time. Mr. Hill will be laid to rest following the service in Bosque-Bello Cemetery with military honors. Oxley Heard is in charge of arrangements.

Editor's Note: Fellow high school classmate and trumpet player Bruce Byrd is credited with gathering up many of Mr Hill's old tapes and videos. They appear on a website www.brucebyrdmusic.com We thank Bruce for allowing us to share some of the recordings.

Mr. Hill playing saxophone, "When Sonny Gets Blue," Accompanied by Chuck Jones on piano, Dickie Fox on bass, and Greg Haddock on drums.

Many former band members believe the most talented band was led by the Class of 1962.

And a transition Bruce put together from beginning band to a 1962 performance. Worth your time to listen.