About Us

Mr. Locklear is a 1973 graduate of Jacksonville (AL) State University. He was a high school band director for twenty nine years and is now the owner of Bill Locklear Custom Music L.L.C.. BLCM composes and arranges music for marching bands, concert bands, jazz ensembles for high school, and college and professional bands all over the United States. The 1996 Atlanta Olympics Band commissioned Mr. Locklear for a number of compositions and arrangements, including the band's theme song, Pinnacle. Additionally, he arranged music for the Atlanta Braves' homecoming party following the 1992 World Series.

BCLM's list of high school clients includes many state marching band finalists and champions as well as BOA regional and national finalists. Check out the Clients page for a partial list. Formerly associated with Hal Leonard Publications, Milwaukee, WI, and Bill is currently associated with Arrangers Publishing Company in Nashville, TN.

Having served as an adjudicator, clinician and guest conductor for over twenty years throughout the United States, Mr. Locklear is a certified Chief Judge for the Georgia Music Educators' Association. Previously, he performed as a professional bassist for over two decades and appeared with such diverse entertainers as Bob Hope, Frankie Avalon, Rita Moreno, Buddy Grecco, Rich Little, Carol Channing, Kate Smith, Kay Starr and jazz musicians Clark Terry, Joe Morello, Jimmy Heath, Joe Jones and Slide Hampton.

Mr. Locklear's honors and awards include selection as STAR Teacher for the Effingham County, GA school system in 1978 and 1981; Award of Merit from the College Band Directors National Association in 1983; selection to "Who's Who Among American Teachers" in 1992 and 1995; Certificate of Appreciation from the Georgia Music Educators Association in 1991 and 1999; and, the Service Award from District One Georgia Music Educators Association in 1991.

Currently, Mr. Locklear is a member of ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers), National Band Association, Music Educators National Conference, Georgia Music Educators Association and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He served as the Georgia Music Educators Association District One Festival Chairman for fifteen years. He is also a member, composer/arranger and occasional conductor of the Northwest Georgia Winds community band.

Mr. Locklear resides in Rome, Georgia with his wife Dora, 5 year old son Joseph, and 3 year old daughter Kathryn.