As a band director, you know how important it is to choose the right kind of music for your ensemble. Whether you're looking for a new piece for your concert band, jazz band, or chamber ensemble, it's always exciting to discover new composers and music publishers. That's why we're excited to introduce you to White Mage Music. White Mage Music is not only a music publisher, but also a home for some of the most exciting and innovative concert music by composer Ryan J Williams. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at Ryan J Williams and some of his amazing works.
Ryan J Williams is an American composer and musician with a Masters degree from West Chester University and a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of South Carolina. His works span from solos to large ensembles, with some compositions integrating electronic elements. Williams has achieved much recognition for his work, having been recognized in several nationwide music awards and competitions. For example, in 2023, his Wind Ensemble works Spirals and To Thee//From Thee were semifinalists for the prestigious American Prize in music.
One of Williams' notable compositions that has been widely performed is Shades of Red. This piece was a finalist for The American Prize, which recognizes the best in concert music in the United States. Shades of Red is an intriguing piece featuring the mellophone (a brass instrument similar to the French horn). The piece's title was inspired by the cultural meanings attached to the color red from different cultures. It is an evocative work that showcases Williams' sophisticated approach to modern concert music.
Another notable work by Williams is Mandatory Social Distancing, which won an honorable mention in the American Prize. This composition is a virtual ensemble, created during the coronavirus pandemic - a unique work that represents the composer's versatility in combining music with new technologies and challenges. With this in mind, Williams has proven to be not only a composer of exceptional concert music, but also an innovative thinker whose work pushes the boundaries of what traditional concert music and musicians can do.
It is fascinating to see the work of contemporary composers like Ryan J Williams, whose music is not only an expression of their individual talents but also a reflection of the modern society and the issues they explore. White Mage Music is an excellent source of Ryan J Williams' music and an excellent opportunity for band directors and musicians alike to explore unusual, stylistically diverse, and highly sophisticated works. We hope this blog post has excited you about this amazing composer and that you consider adding his works to your ensemble's repertoire.
