Faculty
Patrick Williams
Patrick C. Williams, a member of the music faculty at The University of Montana-Missoula since 1975, teaches composition, theory, aural perception, and 16th- and 18th-century counterpoint. He is composer-in- residence and coordinator of the theory/composition area. He received his education at Eastern Michigan University and Eastman School of Music. His teachers have included Samuel Adler, Eugene Kurtz and Anthony Iannaccone.
For 18 years, Professor Williams maintained an active teaching and performing schedule as bass-baritone on the voice faculty, singing regularly as soloist in numerous works for chamber ensembles, and oratorios with regional orchestras. Two sets of songs were written for and dedicated to him by American composer and publisher, William Presser. In 1977 he founded the UM Renaissance Ensemble, a choral group specializing in music from the 16th Century, and in 2001, he created the UM Women's Chorus, an ensemble performing music from a full range of musical periods and styles. He received the 1991 Distinguished Faculty Award for the School of Fine Arts.
Professor Williams’ catalogue of compositions include numerous works for vocalists, instrumentalists, choirs of every kind, chamber ensembles, wind ensemble, string orchestra and full orchestra. Works recently premiered include: Affirmations, a concerto for alto saxophone and wind ensemble written for world renowned saxophonist, Frederick Hemke, Songs from Neruda for soprano, clarinet and percussion, Symphonic Prelude and Fugue (Portrait of A Great City), for orchestra, To Wordsworth (A Remembrance of Grasmere) for string orchestra, and Percussion-Repercussion, concerto for two timpanists and percussion ensemble.
As a sidelight to his work in contemporary composition, the composer takes great delight in writing 16th- and 18th-century-style motets, anthems, inventions and fugues as both teaching and performance pieces.
A member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, and the Society of Composers, Incorporated, Professor Williams serves on the SCI National Council, and regularly adjudicates state and national composition contests. He has publications with Plymouth Music and Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Contact Professor Williams: partick.williams@umontana.edu