MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University has a new leader for its marching band program.
Cheldon Williams will become associate director of bands on Aug. 1. Williams most recently was a graduate teaching assistant at the University of Texas at Austin. He previously served as interim associate director of bands at New Mexico State University, director of bands and orchestras at J.P. Taravella High School in Florida and associate director of bands at Cypress Bay High School, which is also in Florida.
Williams will be responsible for directing the university marching band, the Pride of West Virginia, as well as conducting the symphonic band and overseeing athletic prep bands.
“Our marching band is not only music majors, but it’s comprised of students across the whole university,” said Michael Ibrahim, director of the WVU School of Music. “I know he’s looking forward to meeting everyone that’s part of that community.”
Williams is an alumnus of Florida State University, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education. He recently received a doctorate in musical arts from the University of Texas at Austin.