William Schermerhorn

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT WILLIAM SCHERMERHORN

Bill’s journey in the world of entertainment is as remarkable as it is varied. A two-time Emmy Award-winning songwriter, he has established himself as a creative force behind some of the most acclaimed live and televised events in the United States. His extensive experience as a Creative Director includes past projects such as the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the dazzling 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular. Bill\'s storytelling prowess extends beyond songwriting. He is a playwright, author, event host, guest lecturer, and keynote speaker. Each role he undertakes is infused with his unique blend of creativity and passion. For the past eight years, he served as the Creative Director for Colonial Williamsburg Signature Events, where his role combined storytelling and large-scale event experience with historic traditions to create memorable experiences throughout the year. As the longtime Creative Director of Macy\'s Annual Events - in addition to the marching bands and pyrotechnics - Bill’s thirty-four year portfolio included Puppet Shows, Flower Shows, Regional Store Openings, Black-Tie Benefit Galas, Boston Christmas Tree Lightings, Macy’s Window Unveilings and the World’s Largest Assembly of Tap Dancers in A Choreographed Routine. And Santa Claus. He is currently Event Designer for the VA250 commission and brings his event expertise to the semiquincentennial events of the Commonwealth of Virginia as we travel the road to July 4, 2026 and the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Outside the 18th century, recent writing projects include the jazz song cycle \"Central Park & Other Dreams\"(Matthew Sklar, music), which premiered at NYC\'s Feinstein\'s/54 Below (2017) and the choral composition \"Illumination\"(Pierre Jalbert, music) commissioned by Essential Voices USA (2023). Two new compositions/recordings are scheduled to be released in Spring 2025. Other past projects include \"The Hope of Christmas,\" a recording of Bill\'s Christmas songs featuring Ann Hampton Callaway (MCG Jazz, 2015); the Carnegie Hall premiere of \"American River Suite,\"​ a five-piece musical tone poem (Stephen Flaherty, music); benefit concerts and workshop productions of various musicals and plays. Macy\'s \"Yes, Virginia: The Musical\"(Wesley Whatley, music) has been presented, royalty-free, by schools across the nation and in China. Bill is a member of ASCAP and The Dramatists Guild, Inc. and proudly serves on the William & Mary Alumni Association Board of Directors. He was born on the 4th of July.