The technical parts of ensemble directing with a particular focus on the objective criteria in music-making will be discussed initially. The goal is to guide the attendees through a process where the technique meets artistry. The later half of the session will focus on how the ensemble director can use the technique as a base to access higher levels of artistry in the ensemble setting by employing large-scale concepts to aid in making informed musical decisions.
Cheldon Williams
- Biographical Information
Prior to his enrollment at The University of Texas at Austin, Cheldon Williams, a 12-year secondary music educator, served as an Interim Associate Director of Bands at New Mexico State University, the Director of Bands and Orchestras at J.P. Taravella High School, and the Associate Director of Bands at Cypress Bay High School. As a twofold graduate of Florida State University, Mr. Williams earned both his bachelor’s (B.M.E.) and master’s (M.M.E.) degrees in Music Education in 2004 and 2014, respectively. With instrumental conducting as a focus, Cheldon Williams has had the fortune of being trained by and has performed under the batons of musicians such as: Dr. Andre Thomas, Allan McMurray, H. Robert Reynolds, Dr. James Croft, Richard Clary, Craig Kirchhoff and many others.
Mr. Williams conducted American students in China and served as a guest clinician to Chinese students at the Sichuan Conservatory (Cheng Du, China) during his time as the founding Program Director for the Jinsha Summer Music Festival (2009-2012). Mr. Williams is a nationally active educator and guest clinician in many areas pertaining to music education and conducting. He is a former member of the New Mexico Music Educators’ Association, Florida Bandmasters’ Association, Florida Music Educators’ Association, Florida Orchestra Association, and Broward Music Educators’ Association.