Teacher: 'we performed 2 [William] Owens pieces and An African American Air at the United Nations Emancipation Day Celebration concert to rave reviews'

[William Owens]

On July 6, 2011 AfriClassical posted a request from a teacher in Canada: “Teacher Requests Concert Band Repertoire by Black Composers.” Several suggestions were made the same day, including this one:

RDMarble:

“William Owens who works at and is published by FJH Music www.fjhmusic.com. His music is very playable and he is an excellent clinician as well.”

The teacher commented on April 14, 2012: 

“Just to let everyone know, we performed 2 Owens pieces and An African American Air at the United Nations Emancipation Day Celebration concert to rave reviews in front of an audience of over 700 people. Thanks again to all who help guide me on my way.”

An African American Air is a traditional work arranged by Kevin Mixon and published by Alfred Music.

WilliamOwens.net
Biography

"William Owens (b. 1963) is a native of Gary, Indiana.  He is a seasoned music educator and very active as a composer, clinician and conductor throughout the United States and Canada.  His compositions for young ensembles display a practical, erudite approach which has firmly established him as a leader in the field.

"Since 1993, Owens has written over 150 commissioned and published works for concert band, string orchestra and small ensemble.  His music is programmed at prestigious venues such as the Midwest Clinic, and appears on required music lists both nationally and abroad.  Principal commissions include those from the California Band Directors Association, the Florida Bandmasters Association, the Iowa Bandmasters Association, the South Plains College (TX) Department of Fine Arts and the Texas University Interscholastic League.  His compositions "Courtlandt County Festival" and "Maesong" are recorded and analyzed in educational text by the GIA series Teaching Music through Performance in Band.

"William is a 1985 graduate of VanderCook College of Music in Chicago.  He is a consistent winner of the ASCAPlus award, and a two-time winner of the Forrest L. Buchtel Citation for Excellence in Band Composition.  Professional memberships include the Americian Society of Composers Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), the American Composers Forum (ACF), the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), and the Association of Texas Small School Bands (ATSSB).  An accomplished saxophonist, William teaches private saxophone and performs with several ensembles in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

"Mr. Owens teaches instrumental music in the Everman (TX) Independent School District, and is a member of the MECA faculty at VanderCook College of Music."  

Comment by email:

Greatly appreciated, Bill and my very best wishes!  Sincerely, William Owens