William Himes was born and raised in Michigan, where he attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, receiving his Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Music Education and Performance/Composition, respectively. He taught instrumental music for five years in the public schools of Flint, Michigan, and was also an adjunct lecturer in low brass at the University of Michigan-Flint.

From 1977 to 2015 he was director of The Salvation Army's Music and Gospel Arts Department for USA Central Territory in Chicago, Illinois. In this capacity he also served as conductor of the Chicago Staff Band, a premier brass and percussion ensemble which has performed throughout North America and several international tours.

Throughout his career he has appeared as conductor, clinician, and soloist throughout the United States, Argentina, Australia, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Haiti, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Well known for his compositions and arrangements, Mr. Himes has more than 400 publications to his credit and teaches composition at Trinity International University. He is a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) and his music is frequently featured on international broadcasts and recordings.