Visitor Feedback
Share your comments and feelings about a William Owens composition!
We welcome suggestions for the website as well. So please drop us a line or two,
as we would love to hear about your experiences with Willie's music!
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Of Gentle Spirit
One of our middle school groups played this piece and the kids loved it! It worked very well with the group's limited instrumentation and gave them a chance to put to use all the work we did on phrasing, intonation and being sensitive to the melody. And I never once heard them complain that it was boring, which can be the case with slow pieces at that level. Thank you!
Jennifer
Band Director
TX
LHSN Composition Camp
Thank you for sharing your day with the LHN composition camp. Our students have enjoyed playing your music, asking for it again and again. We look forward to working with you again in the future.
Dottie Burroughs
Band Director
TX
Carpathia and Mars
Thank you very much Mr. Owens for coming to our composition camp and helping us with our music! We enjoyed talking to you very much and we enjoyed listening to some of your compositions. We will see you at the band festival and we look forward to working with you in the future.
Corey
Student
TX
Carpathia
Carpathia is awesome - I see why everyone likes it!
Ryan
Student
TX
Dances Americanesque
Thank you so much Mr. Owens for writing this wonderful music! We performed it at our spring concert and I just love how each movement has its own identity. The Waltz movement is my personal favorite. Have a great summer!
Jaspreet
Student
MI
Terracotta
I just wanted you to know how much I enjoyed your piece! My students loved it. I didn't know your work prior to performing this piece, but we needed a piece to coordinate with the students' China unit. I was so glad to find a piece with so many rich teaching opportunities as yours. Thanks!
Peter Holsberg
Music Department Chair
NY
Maesong
I am such a big fan of the music you're writing for middle school bands! I always program one of your pieces for my groups at school or summer band camp. We are currently working on Maesong. Thanks!
June Bearden
Band Director
TX
The Tahoka Galop
Big fan of your music! We're working on The Tahoka Galop for contest. Keep inspired - you're making a positive contribution to band liturature!
Danny Burnes
Band Director
OK
Rock Springs Saga
I was part of the Flute 2 section and I really enjoyed playing this piece! It was challenging in a good way and once I learned it, I wanted to play it over and over and over! Listening to the full band was amazing, and I love how every instruments' part fit into one big puzzle. Really amazing experience. Thank you! :)
Jenna
Student
PA
Rock Springs Saga
This composition is truly a masterpiece! When I first heard it and I knew I would be able to play it, I was very excited. The piece satisfies all expectations of enjoyment for both the musicians and the audience.
Vito
Student
PA
Rock Springs Saga
We think Rock Springs Saga is the best tune we have ever played. Thank you so much for being our guest conductor. We had no idea we would learn so much in so little time. We really appreciate you coming to Pennsylvania.
Ashley and Destinee
Students
PA
TMEA Region 15 Middle School Honors Band
I just wanted to thank you for your motivation and the life-long experience that our students will remember forever. Thank you for not forgetting that it's all about the kids and having fun.
Nazario Trevino
Band Director
TX
El Pato Loco (available Summer 2010) and Carpathia
Hey Mr. Owens. Thanks for coming to the Valley in January. Anyways, I thought your music was GREAT - it was awsome!!! Loved the song El Pato Loco and thanks for letting us be the first to play the song. Bye!
Abrian
Student
TX
South Texas (Region 11) Middle School Honor Band
Hey Willie! I just have to tell you I came to work Monday to an inbox full of emails from parents who had been at the concert just sharing with me how much their kids enjoyed the clinic and concert. It was awesome my friend, and thank you so much for everything, not only as one director to another but as a parent as well.
Keith Riley
Band Director, Event Coordinator
TX
Krakatoa
Krakatoa was a very interesting piece of music, implementing many different sounds that deviate from the normal Bass Drum booms or Snare Drum rolls. These, along with many other unusual playing techniques and sounds, made Krakatoa a piece to remember. Thanks, Mr. Owens :)
Sean
Student
PA
Krakatoa
This was a piece that was kind of difficult, but it was so much fun to play. It has a great story that goes along with it. It is written by a very talented man and a great person.
Heather
Student
PA
Spirit of Liberty (concert march-available Summer 2010)
Thank you for being the Region 24 Honors Band director. I enjoyed playing the music you wrote. My favorite was Spirit of Liberty. It was a mix between soft and flowing to fast and lively. Thank you again for doing all of this and more.
Kaitlyn
Student
TX
TMEA Region 24 Honors Band
I'm so happy that you were our clinician for Region Band. You changed the way I look at music!
John
Student
TX
In Autumn
This piece is wonderfully written for young bands. The flute and euphonium melody lines are very lyrical and obtainable for young musicians. I can't wait to start working on this piece with my band!
Martin Buckhalter
Band Director
MS
Egyptique (available Summer 2010)
Thanks again for your hard work with the Irving All-City Band this weekend. My assistant principal attended the concert and commented on your humor and energy with the kids. I think the kids responded well to your requests and tried to work to their potential. Thank you also for letting them premiere your new piece Egyptique. I know at some point in the future they will realize the significance of that. And here's wishing you continued success!
Rick McCoy
Band Director
TX
Egyptique (available Summer 2010)
Thanks for conducting the Irving 8th Grade All-City Band. I loved the music. Egyptique was absolutely phenomenal. Thanks for coming.
Thomas
Student
TX
The Blue Orchid
The Blue Orchid provides a nice change of pace for a concert program and I am personally looking forward to introducing this style to our middle school students. Thank you for your continued output of quality music!
Jennifer Shenberger
Band Director
MO
Terracotta
Just wanted to let you know I am currently working on Terracotta with my 7th grade group. They are very excited about it and have really enjoyed working on it. I've enjoyed it too. In fact, the art teacher and I are doing a unit on the Terracotta Warriors together, so that has worked out well also. Thanks for the good work, keep it up!
Mark Hagemann
Band Director
MI
But Joy Comes... (available Summer 2010)
It was an honor attending the premiere of this beautiful piece. Mr. Owens continues to write top quality music!
Preston Pierce
Band Director
TX
In Autumn
I was listening to In Autumn this morning. My nine year old daughter looked up from the picture she was painting and asked "What is this song called?" I told her the title and who did it to which she replied "It's really pretty Daddy." A great composition my friend among great compositions.
Travis J. Weller (ASCAP)
Composer/Band Director
PA
Krakatoa and Excelsior! (concert march)
I really enjoyed having Mr. Owens as our conductor for UW Music Clinic. The two pieces we played were fun and well composed pieces of work. I learned so much at camp and now before I even play one note, I make sure to take a deep breath to create a good tone. Thank you for coming all the way to Madison, Wisconsin to help us become better musicians.
Sonia
Student
WI
UW-Madison Summer Music Clinic
In my short time working alongside him, I could tell Mr. Owens is a very skilled and passionate director. He commanded impressive focus and attention from young musicians at our summer music clinic, and achieved fantastic results in just one week. I could tell the students enjoyed and appreciated working with him, and learned valuable lessons about ensemble playing that will stick with them. I look forward to him returning in the future.
Kevan Feyzi
Music Student
The University of Wisconsin-Madison
Krakatoa and Excelsior! (concert march)
Mr. Owens has an amazing passion for music and I think it really shows in his compositions. He was one of the best directors I ever had the privilege of knowing at the Summer Music Clinic! I hope I will be able to play another one of your pieces in my school band.
Angela
Student
WI
Krakatoa
Krakatoa was a very fun and exciting piece of music to play, and it truly paints a picture of an erupting volcano. Hopefully many other bands will be able to play and enjoy Krakatoa as much as my band did.
Natalie
Student
WI
Krakatoa
I recently played this piece with Mr. Owens at a music clinic. Krakatoa recreates the eruption of the volcano Krakatoa in Indonesia. Mr. Owens somehow manages to make music out of a volcano eruption. The piece is a joy to both play and listen to. I would definitely recommend this song.
Jody
Student
WI
Excelsior! (concert march)
Excelsior! was another one of Mr. Owens' fantastic compositions. The best part was having Mr. Owens conduct it at the UW-Madison Summer Music Clinic. This was because our band was able to learn so much about march style (and other styles) of music and we also learned a lot about the balance of a band.
Natalie
Student
WI
Jubilations!
Jubilations is an amazing piece that my band played at a concert. We premiered the piece for the first time and that was pretty cool. Thank you Mr. Owens for writing it and having our school be the first to perform it. I hope you write more pieces that are just as much fun as Jubilations!
Morgan
Student
PA
Of Gentle Spirit
On June 4 our band will be presenting your work Of Gentle Spirit. Though several of our works are listed as "more difficult" we have found that this is one of the more challenging works to perform beautifully with the proper balance, phrasing and sensitivity. Thank you so much for such a beautiful work.
Nancy Ackerman
Music Educator and Clarinetist
MA
But Joy Comes... (available Summer 2010)
We are thrilled with "But Joy Comes..." and thank you for your hard work in writing this for our students. Our students, parents, staff and community can't say enough great things about the experience of working with you and the special performance of this piece.
Jason Tucker
Band Director
TX
But Joy Comes... (available Summer 2010)
Was blessed to hear the piece as a tribute to a student that passed away. Awesome job!!!
David Herring
Band Director
TX
Spring
I loved this piece so much! It's beautiful and the harmonies are just wonderful! You really painted a picture with your music!
Jacqueline
Student
IA
All-Iowa 8th Grade Band
Our daughter was lucky enough to be a part of the 8th Grade Iowa Honor Band that you conducted in Des Moines, IA. She had a great experience and I was lucky enough to listen to most of your rehearsal time with the students. You are a fabulous conductor and have a great way with the kids! I think Keri will talk about this day for many days to come - and all in a positive way. Thanks!!!!!!!
Bruce and Jane
Band Parents
IA
Krakatoa
Mr. Owens, I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to perform this piece with you. I had a blast with you at the All-Iowa 8th Grade Honor Band! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!
Evan
Student
IA
Krakatoa
Krakatoa is one of the most exciting pieces I've ever performed!!! It truly was an honor to be able to play under your direction, Mr. Owens. From me and everyone of the IBA, thank you so much for making our day fun and thrilling!!! This was the best piece and what I thought was going to be difficult and not fun turned out to be my favorite band piece! Thanks again, Mr. Owens!!!
Jacqueline
Student
IA
Cruisin'
My middle school band is playing Cruisin' and I and my fellow band members can pretty much agree that the fun melodies and the jammin' percussion parts make Cruisin' our favorite piece by far in our spring concert. Thanks Mr. Owens for writing this jazzy tune!
Julianna
Student
SD
Krakatoa
Mr. Owens, I love Krakatoa and I loved having you as a conductor for the Arlington All-City Band. You are the best at what you do. Keep it up!
Keaton
Student
TX
Tangelridge
We really enjoyed having Mr. Owens as our guest conductor for the South Dakota Middle School All-State Band. The piece he wrote for us, Tangelridge, fit the group just exactly and the students loved playing something that was written just for them. He made our event one that the students will never forget.
Laura Beck
Band Director, Event Coordinator
SD
Maesong
Maesong is such a beautiful work. The amount of emotion that can be expressed through this work is amazing. My kids are really learning how to play more musically due to the nature of this piece. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to expand their students' musical horizons.
Kimberly Hoyle
Band Director
TX
The Blue Orchid
THANK YOU SO MUCH for coming to Pierre, SD to be the guest conductor for the Middle School All-State Band. I really enjoyed playing The Blue Orchid. It's really pretty and I like the different tempos in the song. THANKS AGAIN!!
Rebecca
Student
SD
From a Wonderful Former Student...
As an ex-student of Mr. Owens, I would like to say that music was just sounds before he was my band director. His love for music has made me really appreciate what music is. It's another language that any race can understand and enjoy. I've not heard any of his compositions, but I'm sure they are exciting to play and more delightful to hear.
Israel "Riley" Cardenas
Former Student
TX
Courtlandt County Festival
I really enjoy this piece of music! We are taking it to contest with a second junior high group and it is perfect for them. Thanks for all the wonderful work Mr. Owens.
John Perrin
Band Director
TX
Jubilations!
Jubilations is a really awesome composition. Premiering it was a ton of fun since it is cool to play a piece that no one has ever heard before.
Cathy
Student
PA
In Autumn
I greatly enjoyed your work In Autumn performed at this year's TMEA. The colors and material was spot on for groups of the level for which it is written. You should be congratulated.
David Herring
Band Director
TX
Carpathia
Our band is performing Mr. Owens' Carpathia at our Black History program. We are including a slide show with this piece. My students have enjoyed learning this piece of music and learning more about Mr. Owens. His music keeps them focused on more than notes and rhythms and also making music, providing the audience with an emotional high only good music can give.
Donna McDowell
Band Director
GA
Chariot Race
I love the pieces of music you picked for our clinic and concert. Chariot Race was the best. It told a story like you said it would.
Briget
Student
TX
Of Gentle Spirit
I am working through 30 compositions as a project for my Masters degree and Of Gentle Spirit, as well as the inspiration behind it is very touching.
Paul Swardstrom
Band Director
OR
From a Wonderful Former Student...
I had the privilege and honor of having Mr. Owens as my band director at Perkins Intermediate in Brownsville, TX before he began writing music. I greatly miss his passion for music and his compassion for many of us who loved music but would not ordinarily be able to afford it. He was and always shall be more than just a mentor to me. He was my friend and trusted confidant. It has now been over 20 years since I've seen or spoken to him, and I still miss his thirst for life. I'm glad I ran into this website, which I've bookmarked for posterity. Thank you Mr. Owens for everything. I have not forgotten.
Martin Terrones
Filmmaker
CA
Dances Americanesque
Willie is an outstanding teacher, clinician and composer. I am looking forward to playing Dances Americanesque soon. Willie has really outdone himself with this awesome composition!
Ernie Cantu
Band Director
TX
Summit Fanfare
I would like to thank Willie for dedicating this piece to our school's band! Not only were the students thrilled with the honor of performing a piece dedicated to them, but they were energized by the way it was scored. I have heard several pieces composed by Willie and have performed many of them myself, and I have found that I can always count on his pieces living up to great interplay of voices, beautiful melodic lines and lots of energy! Thanks for lifting us up, Willie!
Cathy Besyner
Band Director
TX
Spring
The melody is so beautiful that I had to listen to it several times. Congratulations on this lovely work.
Dennis Eveland (ASCAP)
Composer/Band Director
TX
Samba La Bamba
I was in the Dallas Wind Symphony Band Camp with you as my conductor and I really like Samba La Bamba and all the songs you wrote. Thanks.
Jose
Student
TX
Samba La Bamba
I'm a first year student and play the clarinet. I only know a few notes and festival is coming soon. I'm so glad our teacher could find a simple piece of music that sounds like we are pros. Thank you so much!
Bailey
Student
British Columbia
Santa on the Housetop
Well written at a playable level for beginners. My students like it. Thanks.
Gordon Hanson
Band Director
CA
Three Scottish Vistas
Our band played it this year and its the coolest piece of music ever!!! We got all superior 1's at festival on it. When I become a band director, we're definitely going to play this piece!
Ashley
Student
OH
Affirmation
On The Grand Mesa was the first piece of music that my band played by Willie. Since then, I have been hooked and am a huge fan! We recently played Affirmation at contest and not only did my students love this piece, but every judge commented on the fine quality of music that we selected to compete with. I have always been most impressed with the care and attention to detail that Willie puts into his music. He absolutely knows how to write to make each section sound superb. Thanks Willie for writing such interesting music that makes every band sound great!
Faith Massey
Band Director
TX
Exaltations!
My band has been invited to perform at the Band Directors' Conference in Mississippi. I am really looking forward to working on this piece with my Symphonic Band. It is very explosive, and I think it will have a huge effect on the band directors of Mississippi.
Zachary Harris
Band Director
MS
Excelsior! (concert march)
I have the honor and privilege each spring to adjudicate band contest/festivals, and am always impressed by the quality of your music written for young bands. I'm sure many are chosen for subsequent concert performances! You are contributing new literature to the young band repertoire which is fresh and fun to play. I see the expressions of the students and hear the feedback of directors across the state after they've experienced your pieces. My wife is selecting tunes for a summer music camp and I peeked in on her email from you with the mp3 recording of your latest - Excelsior! You've done it again- a great young band piece that is musical, challenging and has something for everyone! Congratulations and thank you for what you're doing for music education!
Keith Bearden
Professor Emeritus
Texas Tech University
Krakatoa
It has been a great honor to work with William on a commissioned work for the All-Iowa 8th Grade Honor Band. His piece Krakatoa is a very exciting grade 2.5 that depicts a volcano both silent and erupting. We are very excited to have Mr. Owens write this great piece of music for us. I would strongly recommend you become familiar with the music of Mr. Owens! His music is exciting both to play and listen to. The students love it and always want to play more of his music. Thank you Willie for writing another great band selection!!
Randy Atkinson
Band Director, Event Coordinator
IA
Carpathia
I've known Willie for many years and have played many of his pieces. All of my students have really enjoyed working on his music. We played Carpathia for our spring concert and the children and audience really enjoyed it. Willie's ability to write music that can fit any level is a rare gift that really helps smaller groups.
Tony Lucas
Band Director
TX
Kamehameha
I've known Willie for a few years now, and last year I asked him to arrange some of his music for marching band. Our marching music last year was an instant hit with the kids and crowds alike. Once again, I have gone back to Willie for another show. He has arranged for me show music based on his piece Kamehameha (The Great Warrior). The kids heard it and were instantly excited and ready to start working on it. Willie's ability to write and arrange for smaller bands is absolutely amazing. His work is second to none. Thank you Willie for great music time after time!
Bobby Yerigan
Band Director
TX
The Mighty 97th (march)
This is a great march! It is very traditional in form. The range is comfortable for all instruments. I played this piece at UIL and on our spring contest trip with the second band at a new high school. It was so well thought out that the students and judges enjoyed it. I believe playing this piece set my band up for a superior rating at each contest!
Renee Goodwin
Band Director
TX
Dances Americanesque
I am privileged to play in the Arlington Community Band for which Dances Americanesque was written to honor. The first movement is very lively in its melodies which constantly change from instrument to instrument. The second movement is slow and shows a lot of feeling in it. The third section is my favorite because of its upbeat and lively tempos. It will definitely have you wanting to hear more!!! I love this piece!!! 
Kolleen
Student
TX
Summit Fanfare
I called my friend Willie Owens and asked if he had a piece that would fit my group for contest. It was just a few days later that Summit Fanfare was done - and what a great piece it was! First of all, it's an honor to have a piece written specifically for you, but it's another thing to have such a well done piece that hits on all cylinders. Summit Fanfare is my opinion (you heard it here first) an instant classic that works so well, even with the limitations of a small band. The kids love it and it feels so right. Willie, thank you my friend.
Andy Patterson
Band Director/Composer
TX
Dances Americanesque
Dances Americanesque is a superb composition. It incorporates action, beauty and excitement for musicians and audiences alike. The 2nd movement is especially beautiful. This piece will surely find its way to the Texas UIL list to join with other fine music by Mr. Owens.
Bob Copeland
Conductor, Arlington Community Band
TX
Exaltations!
Exaltations! is a piece that every good high school band should have in it's library!
The Mansfield Wind Symphony had one of the first reads of Exaltations! and after the first run, the ensemble exploded into spontaneous applause! It is an exciting piece to listen to but just fun to play. The MWS has adopted it as our "signature piece", and we use it as an encore on every concert. Mr. Owens has a gift for writing music that lays well for each instrument. Excellent high school bands will find this to be on of their favorites! To hear and view "Exaltations!", please access our youtube video.
John H. Julian
Conductor, Mansfield Wind Symphony
TX
Samba La Bamba
I played this piece during my 8th grade year. I really enjoyed playing it, which was fun to play.
Griselda
Student
TX
Carpathia
We began our 2007-08 school year with Carpathia. This powerful work was the perfect equalizer to students who lamented the end of summer vacation. Within seconds, they were captivated and ready for another school year of early-morning band rehearsals. Together, we became immersed in the frantic voyage of the RMS Carpathia as it arrived on the scene of the sinking Titanic. The innovative sound effects, such as the ship's hissing boiler, made the piece stand out from the rest of our selected repertoire. It is now two weeks before summer break and my students are asking to play more of Mr. Owens' music when they return in the fall. Fresh innovative writing from a composer who knows what makes kids tick!
Timothy Loest (ASCAP)
Composer/Band Director
IL
Samba La Bamba
Samba La Bamba is a fantastic piece for beginner band. My beginners thoroughly enjoyed performing it, and it was well received by our audience. I liked the fact that the percussion section was an integral part of the music, and not just an afterthought. Thanks for a well written grade 0.5 piece!
Dustin Olson
Band Director
TX
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