Bill Brunner is a native of Cullman, Alabama and a graduate of the University of Alabama where he earned B.S and M.A. degrees in Music Education. He began his teaching career in 1959 at Vigor High School (Prichard, Alabama) where his bands received “Excellent” ratings at State Competition Festivals his four years there. In 1963 he organized the Austin High School Band in Decatur, Alabama and served as the band director until his retirement in 1988. Under his direction, the Austin Band compiled an impressive record of achievement including top ratings in numerous national concert festivals, and earned 22 consecutive “Superior” ratings at the Alabama State Competition Festivals. Mr. Brunner served as adjudicator and guest conductor in Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, and Florida. State offices he held include President of the Alabama Bandmasters Association and President of Rho Chapter of Phi Beta Mu. In 1988 he was inducted into the Phi Beta Mu Alabama Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame and honored as the “Outstanding Music Educator” by the AMEA. After retiring from teaching, Mr. Brunner was employed by Nuncie’s Music until 2001. After retiring from Nuncie’s, he continued to teach privately in Decatur until moving to Georgia in 2014 to be closer to family.