James K. Copenhaver, Distinguished Professor of Music Emeritus at the University of South Carolina, joined the School of Music faculty as Director of Bands in 1976. Copenhaver, a native of Wytheville, Virginia, 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 the University of South Carolina, he taught the nationally recognized Holmes High School Band in Covington, Kentucky, and at Morehead State University and Clemson University.

During his tenure at USC, Copenhaver administered the total band program. He conducted both the University Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band and taught undergraduate and graduate classes in wind instrument techniques. Under his guidance, the University of South Carolina 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 The American Bandmasters Association.

Mr. Copenhaver is highly active as a 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 has received the Citation of Excellence from the National Band Association, the Distinguished Service to Music Medal and the Bohumil Makovsky Memorial Award for Outstanding College Directors 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. He was inducted into the South Carolina Band Director's "Hall of Fame" in 2004 and into the Theta Chapter "Hall of Fame" of Phi Beta Mu in 2008.

Professor Copenhaver served as an active member in several professional organizations within the band field, including the prestigious American Bandmasters Association and held the offices of Past-President of both the National Band Association and the Southern Division of the College Band Director National Association.

Copenhaver is the founder and co-conductor of the Palmetto Concert Band; an adult semi-professional concert band that presented concerts at the 1999 and 2008 Midwest Clinic An International Band and Orchestra Conference in Chicago, Illinois.

At his Retirement Banquet in April 2010, Professor Copenhaver was presented with the Governor's Order of the Palmetto, the state's highest civilian award.