Dr. Bill “Hink” Hinkle earned three music degrees from FSU – a BME in 1970, an MME in 1971, and the Ph.D. in 1976. In 1971 and 1972, he served as the Assistant to the Director of Bands, Richard D. Mayo, working with all university bands and performing other teaching and administrative duties. He has performed with all FSU bands and also with the University Symphony, the Opera Orchestra, and the Collegians Men’s Choir.
Since 1972, Dr. Hinkle has served Seminole Community College as Director of Bands, Professor of Music, and Chairman of the Fine and Performing Arts Department. Bands under his direction have received national prominence for their musical excellence and diversity.
In 1974, he returned to Tallahassee to join the FSU top Jazz Band as lead and solo trumpet for their Poland tour and later again with Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, and Chiefs for the famous Syria trip, since then known as the “World Renowned Marching Chiefs.”
Dr. Hinkle has performed with various professional orchestras including the Florida Symphony Orchestra and the Florida Sunshine Pops Orchestra and numerous jazz and show bands at Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studios in Orlando. He continues to perform with top national artists throughout Florida. Dr. Hinkle has directed numerous honor bands throughout the United States. He has held national leadership positions with the International Association of Jazz Educators and the College Band Directors National Association. Dr. Hinkle remains active with the Florida Bandmasters Association and Phi Beta Mu and is a lifetime member of Kappa Kappa Psi and an honorary Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonian.