Willie Hubbard is a longtime, multi-talented member of the Haywood Community Band, having played trombone, tuba, baritone, and French horn over the years.

Music runs deep in Willie’s family. His mother was a church organist, his siblings played instruments, and he started piano lessons early before switching to trombone to join the school band. He later played in the 175-member marching band at NC State before transferring to Western Carolina University as a music major, where he also discovered his love for choral singing.

Willie has taught band and chorus in schools, directed church choirs, and has led the handbell choir at First United Methodist Church in Waynesville since 1978. Professionally, he worked in business offices at Lake Junaluska Assembly and The Foundation for Evangelism until his retirement in 2016.

A dedicated member of the Haywood Community Band since before 2006 (with a brief medical hiatus), Willie’s versatility and enthusiasm have made a lasting impact. “Why wouldn’t anyone who loves music want to be a part of this group?” he says. “We play great music, have fun, and the leadership is outstanding. I look forward to every rehearsal and concert.”