William "Bill" McKee Legacy Music Scholarship Fund

William “Bill” McKee was more than a band director. He was a mentor, a leader, and a guiding light for generations of students at Bellevue Junior High and Memphis Central High School. In the band room, he taught the fundamentals of music—how to read a score, master an instrument, and blend together as one. But what set Mr. McKee apart was that his lessons always stretched beyond the music. He believed that band was about more than playing notes; it was about building character, learning discipline, and understanding the power of teamwork. Students often recall how Mr. McKee saw something in them that they didn’t yet see in themselves. He pushed them to reach higher, encouraged them to persevere through challenges, and celebrated their growth not just as musicians, but as people. For many, the band room became a safe haven—a place where they felt valued, challenged, and inspired to do their best. Mr. McKee’s influence rippled far beyond the marching field or concert stage. His dedication created bonds among students that lasted well after graduation, and his words of encouragement continue to echo in the lives of those he taught. He wasn’t just teaching music; he was shaping futures. That is why we want to create The William Bill McKee Legacy Music Award—a scholarship fund that reflects the values he lived and the lives he touched. This award will support Memphis Central High School seniors who embody the qualities Mr. McKee nurtured: excellence in music, leadership, perseverance, and a commitment to others. Through this scholarship, we ensure that the man, the music, the mission live on. We honor a teacher who gave so much of himself, and we pass forward his legacy so that future generations can be inspired, uplifted, and changed—just as we were by William “Bill” McKee.