World-Class, Renowned Composer Visits Olney
Thursday, March 19 was a special day for students in the Olney ISD Band program.
Dr. William Owens of Fort Worth, Texas was the guest conductor, composer, and clinician for each Band class. He visited Olney High School to work with students on their contest and concert Beginning the day with the high school band, Owens worked extensively on “To Sail the Majestic Seas”, a song the high school band will perform as part of their UIL evaluation program on April 1 at Legacy High School in Wichita Falls.
Fifth-grade band class had help from Dr. Owens as he joined them playing euphonium on their songs. Junior High Band played their contest program for their March 24 UIL Concert and Sightreading Evaluation, including “Rust Belt” by Dr. Owens. Sixth graders played “Courtland County Festival” for Dr. Owens, providing feedback and critique for their upcoming festival in April. After the conclusion of class, students had their photograph taken with the composer. Many asked for an autograph, which Dr. Owens graciously granted.
A seasoned music educator, he is highly active as a composer, clinician, and conductor throughout North America. His compositional style for young ensembles displays a keen, practical approach, which has firmly established him as a leader in the field. Since 1993, Mr. Owens has over 300 titles to his credit for concert band, string orchestra, and small ensemble. His music is performed and appears on required music lists nationally and abroad. Many of his works have been analyzed in educational texts and are staples of the young band repertoire.
Dr. Owens is a 1985 graduate of Chicago’s VanderCook College of Music and the recipient of numerous awards and grants for composition. Principal commissions include those from the South Plains College (TX) Department of Fine Arts, Phi Beta Mu International, and the American Bandmasters Association. Professional memberships include the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), the Association of Texas Small School Bands (ATSSB), and Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity. He is recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus by his alma mater and a recipient of the Texas Bandmasters Association’s Meritorious Achievement Award.
In 2014, William formally retired from duty as band director in Texas after 30 years of service. His spare time interests include traveling, U.S. Presidential history, and being a proud Chevrolet Corvette owner/enthusiast. William resides in Fort Worth, TX, with his wife and best friend, Georgia.