Frank Williams Joins Seattle Cascades as Education Consultant

The Seattle Cascades are honored to announce that DCI Hall of Fame Member, Mr. Frank Williams will serve as our Educational Consultant for the 2020 Season.

Frank Williams currently serves as the Coordinator of Jazz Education for Ruth Eckerd Hall and the Marcia P. Hoffman Fine Arts Institute. Frank Williams also serves as the education consultant for the Clearwater Jazz Holiday. Mr. Williams holds a B.S. degree in Music Education from Florida A & M University and a Master of Music degree from the State University of New York at Fredonia. During his long career as a music educator, Mr. Williams held many district and state offices and received many teacher of the year awards.

Mr. Williams has served as a guest conductor, adjudicator, and clinician for many high schools, colleges, and honors ensembles in the United States, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Frank Williams has worked with drum and bugle corps since the late ’70s and was inducted into the Drum Corps International Hall of Fame in August of 2009. He was inducted into the Clearwater Jazz Holiday Hall of Fame in October of 2009 and was awarded the Sonny Award in honor of Sonny LaRosa by the Suncoast Jazz Society in 2013. Mr. Williams continues to work as a freelance composer, arranger, consultant, and clinician.

Mr. Frank Williams has nurtured the growth of many drum corps brass players over the years. And while his mastery of the instruments and the repertoire has played a key role in his success in developing great brass sections, it’s Frank’s willingness to go beyond the music to make personal connections that have inspired students and peers alike for decades.

“Frank’s teaching legacy has enriched our musical world through gifted artists and teachers who continue to credit him with a large part of their success,” says publisher and composer Robert W. Smith. Over more than 30 years in drum corps, Williams has worked with Suncoast Sound, The Cadets, Glassmen, The Colts, Spirit of Atlanta, Boston Crusaders, Magic of Orlando, Erie Thunderbirds, and Teal Sound. He also won a DCA Championship with the Empire Statesmen of Rochester, NY.

Carl Fischer Music recently published Mr. Williams’ method book - Chops: The Ultimate Guide to Building Tone, Technique and Flexibility which is available for trumpet and trombone.