David Willson

David Willson is a "band director's ’ band director." His teaching at all levels has been the catalyst for his mission to serve others through directing bands and bettering his profession. He is in his seventeenth year as director of bands at The University of Mississippi where he was named Teacher of the Year in 2007 and awarded the Frist Award for his service to students in 2005. Under his direction the University Wind Ensemble has performed live for Mississippi Public Radio and featured on national public radio. The Pride of South Marching Band, also under his direction, has flourished and is considered one of the nation’s finest. Prior to coming to Ole Miss Willson served sixteen years as a public school band director in Mississippi. His bands were award winning in every category consistently in local and national competitions including receiving the prestigious Sudler Award in 1990. He has had many students make the Mississippi All-State Band and served as conductor/director five times including trips to Brisbane, Australia and the world championship trip to Seoul, Korea.

Professor Willson is currently serving as President of Phi Beta Mu International where he is strongly promoting mentoring for band directors and serving the band profession. He is past president of the Mississippi Band Masters Association, the Delta Chapter of Phi Beta Mu, state chairman for CBDNA, NBA, and served for four years on the National Federation of Music committee. He is active in many professional organizations. Publications by Willson include Starting Beginner Band Student, Band Calisthenics and Mr. Willson's Warm Up, which are both used extensively throughout the mid-south. His articles have frequently appeared in The Instrumentalist, Band World, and NFIMA and Phi Beta Mu Journals. He is active as a clinician and speaker throughout the United States. Professor Willson has always put a strong emphasis on training students fundamentally and has been equally concerned in developing students as well-rounded citizens through his philosophy of being all superior “Everyday in Every Way”. He is most proud of his former students at productive band directors.