It's possible the Meridian High School Band may have an edge at state festival competition this year.

The band will perform three selections. The composer of one of them Monday offered his guidance to students.

Quincy Hilliard is the composer-in-residence at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He said it's gratifying to hear different interpretations of his work.

"Sometimes it's not always working with my music, but it's just working with bands and helping them become better technically, helping them become better musically," said Hilliard. "So I'm all over the country doing this."

Hilliard said he loves working with young people. He is a native of Starkville.