2023 OBDC Guest Composer

William Owens

William Owens's (b. 1963) is a native of Gary, Indiana. 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 text, and are staples of the young band repertoire.

William is a 1985 graduate of Chicago's VanderCook College of Music and the recipient of numerous awards and grants for composition. 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.