James K Copenhaver

COLUMBIA - James “Jim” Kelly Copenhaver, 71, of Columbia, SC, laid down his baton for the final time on Wednesday, November 26, 2014. Mr. Copenhaver was born on April 1, 1943, in Wytheville, Virginia, to Alfred W. Copenhaver, Sr. and Mamie Hedrick Copenhaver. Survivors include his brother and sister-in-law Alfred W. and Mary O. Copenhaver and his brother-in-law Loyd W. Carpenter, Jr., all of Wytheville, VA. Also, surviving are; nieces Kim Colvin of Chester, SC, and Merrily Copenhaver Simms of Denver, NC, nephews Stephen Carpenter of Rural Retreat,VA., Terry Carpenter of Huntersville, NC, and Alfred (Skip) W. Copenhaver III of Lugoff, SC; and six great nieces and nephews. In addition, Mr. Copenhaver was survived by his extended family his beloved University of South Carolina Gamecock band family. In addition to his parents, Mr. Copenhaver was predeceased by his sister Linda Copenhaver Carpenter.

Emeritus Director of Bands, Mr. Copenhaver assumed the position of director of bands at the University of South Carolina in 1976 and was a Professor of Music on the USC School of Music faculty. Mr. Copenhaver earned BA and MMEd degrees at Morehead State University and completed two additional years of graduate study at Florida State University. Prior to his appointment at USC, he taught at Holmes High School in Covington, KY, Morehead State University, and Clemson University. At USC, Mr. Copenhaver was responsible for administering the total band program. He conducted the University Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band and taught undergraduate and graduate courses in wind instrument techniques. Under his guidance, the USC band program established a national reputation for excellence. The Symphonic Band performed at conferences for the South Carolina Music Educators Association, Music Educators National Conference, College Band Directors National Association, and American Bandmasters Association.

Under Mr. Copenhaver’s leadership the USC Marching Band known simply as the Carolina Band, continued to grow and develop into one of the premier college marching bands in the country. Excelling not only in marching, but in musical performances as well, the band became associated with its signature introduction, “Now we present the Musical Magic of the Carolina Band.” When the university joined the Southeastern Conference, the Carolina Band became known as the “Mighty Sound of the Southeast”, continuing to entertain crowds at halftime and support Gamecock Football at home and away. The Carolina Band is also a training ground for future music educators. Scores of young musicians and educators have benefited from the experience and training provided under Mr. Copenhaver’s tutelage; and so through them his legacy has passed down to many young students in high schools and colleges across the country.

Mr. Copenhaver was highly active as a band clinician having served as a guest conductor, lecturer, and adjudicator throughout the United States. Leading educational institutions have recognized him for his accomplishments in the areas of instrumental performance and music education. In recognition for his talents and service, he received the Citation of Excellence from the National Band Association, the Distinguished Service to Music Medal for Instrumental Music Education from Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, and both the Outstanding Bandmaster Award and Outstanding Contributor to Bands Award from the South Carolina Chapter of Phi Beta Mu National Bandmaster Fraternity. In 2003, Mr. Copenhaver was inducted into the South Carolina Band Director’s “Hall of Fame” and in March 2008 into the Theta Chapter Hall of Fame of Phi Meta Mu. Mr. Copenhaver was an active member in several professional organizations within the band field, including the prestigious American Bandmasters Association. He was a Past-President of both the National Band Association and the Southern Division of the College Band Director National Association. Mr. Copenhaver was the founder and co-conductor of the Palmetto Concert Band, an adult semiprofessional concert band that presented the Grand Finale Concert at the 1999 Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic.

Mr. Copenhaver retired in the summer of 2010 and continued to be a presence at the university until his passing Wednesday, where he had an office in the new “Copenhaver Band Hall.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Mr. Copenhaver’s life will be held Sunday, December 7, 2014 at the Copenhaver Band Hall on the campus of the University of South Carolina. The service will commence at 2PM. After the service the family will receive friends. There will be an additional service at a later date in Wytheville, VA, Mr. Copenhaver’s hometown.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the ”James K. Copenhaver Alumni Band Scholarship Fund”, Gift Processing, 1027 Barnwell Street Columbia SC 29208 or to the “Palmetto Concert Band”, USC School of Music, 813 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29208. Elmwood Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Here's a health, Carolina, forever to thee!