About | May River High School Bands

About the Band

May River High School Band encompass the spirit of music and camaraderie. Since the band’s inception 7 years ago, May River High School Band has built a storied history of excellence. Performing regularly

at special events, parades, competitions, and more, May River High School Band has travelled far and wide to share their talent and passion for music. Following a rigorous standard of tradition, the members of our organization are truly gifted and dedicated individuals that work hard to dazzle the crowds and embody musical excellence at every show.

Director of Bands

Deborah Hamner

Deborah Hamner has been the Director of Bands at May River High School in Bluffton SC for the past 4 years, where the symphonic band received superior or Excellent ratings at Concert Performance Assessment since her arrival. She also serves as the Assistant Conductor of the Lowcountry Community Concert, an affiliate of the OLLI program at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, SC. Prior to working at May River High School,

she began the band program at Bridges Preparatory School for

young musicians, as well as teaching general music for elementary

and middle school students in 2015.

After Graduating from High School, Deborah attended Michigan State

University, majoring in Music Education. After one semester of college,

she joined the Marine Corps as a clarinet player where she continued

performing on clarinet for 6 years. Deborah then became an Enlisted

Conductor and lead the band while performing for hundreds of

thousands of people at Recruit Graduation Ceremonies at Parris Island,

the Outback Bowl in Florida, as well as performances in Guam, Austria,

New Zealand, and throughout the southeastern United States. In 2005

she received the Staff Non-Commissioned Officer Musician of the Year

Award, based on her performance as a clarinet player, conductor, and leader throughout her time in the Marine Corps. In 2009-2012 she was a recruiter for the 6th Marine Corps District, musically approving any musician interested in joining the Marine Corps Music Program.