Our Assistant Conductor, Alex Hilliard

Alex Hilliard received his Bachelor of Music from Vanderbilt University, cum Laude. While at Vanderbilt, he studied conducting with Robin Fountain. During his undergraduate studies he was the principal tubist of the Nashville Philharmonic Orchestra, Vanderbilt University Wind Ensemble, Vanderbilt University Orchestra, and Tennessee State University Concert Band. He also performed with The Establishment, a professional jazz ensemble, in Nashville, Tennessee. Upon completion of his degree at Vanderbilt, he has decided to continue his career goal of conducting and has enrolled in the conducting program at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. Here, he received a graduate teaching assistantship to study with Dr. William Hochkeppel. As a graduate teaching assistant at UL, his responsibilities include the teaching of music theory and music appreciation.  Hilliard remains active in the community as an educator, participating as an instructor and clinician for Carencro High School, Comeaux High School, Anderson Middle School, and L.J. Alleman Middle School. Aside from conducting the Lafayette Concert Band, he has conducted the University of Louisiana-Lafayette Wind Ensemble, Vanderbilt University Brass, coached the Mon-Dieu Low Brass Quartet, and is the conductor of the Lafayette Woodwind Octet.

He serves as a tubist for the Lafayette Concert Band, Hub City Brass Quintet, Acadian Wind Symphony, and as principal player with the University of Louisiana-Lafayette Wind Ensemble. His musicianship has led him to many accomplishments including: 2011 Louisiana Intercollegiate Honor Band, 2008 album recording entitled Balletesque with Young Republic, 2005 National Falcone Tuba Competition semi-finalist, and 2005 Louisiana Philharmonic Concerto competition winner.

His hobbies include cooking and baseball. In 2006, he was selected as a PlayStation Baseball All American infielder. He continued baseball through college, playing outfield for the Vanderbilt Commodores.