Dr. Edmund Chester Williams

The Edmund C. Williams Excellence Award has been established by Illinois Bands. The core of his musical life blossomed through his completion of the three degree programs he completed at Illinois. Illinois graduates are undoubtedly inspired by his musical journey...true Illini spirit!

Ed Williams was a most impressive man. My wife, Alyce, refers to him as a Renaissance Man. Much is to be admired in his considerable musical skill and the fact he has performed, taught, conducted, and touched the lives of many young people throughout our nation. But those of us who played tennis with him know him as an outstanding athlete, those of us who visited his home saw new evidence of his craftsmanship with each visit - one time another fireplace, next time a water garden, and so on;...

It was a year ago that my daughter, Taber, asked Ed to give her lessons on the oboe. Taber was still in 6th grade at the time and she made the decision to switch from flute to oboe at her school band class.The teacher told her that the school would provide the oboe, but she would have to find an instructor. We knew that would be easy!! Ed gave her 3 lessons before leaving for his fabulous trip to Germany. He was wonderrul in getting Taber started with the oboe. Ed had such patience, passion...

It was my privilege to sit with Dr. Ed over the past several months. We both shared an interest in classical music. Of course, Dr. Ed had a much better appreciation of classical music being an accomplished performer and professor of music. In any event, it was my privilege to share a few hours of music with Dr. Ed. The radio at his house always sounded much better than the radio at my house even though, truthfully, I think I spent more money on my radio!

I remember one evening...

Having known Ed since I was 20, he influenced my life in many ways. He was my mentor in my bassoon playing, musicianship, and reed making. The Double Reed Camp is still going since it was started in 1973 at SWOSU. Besides all his many talents, he told lots of puns-he had a great sense of humor. Thanks for it all!

My Brother-In-Law; Ed
My junior high bassoon teacher,
then college oboe professor,
He taught me so much about so many things.....
Handel, Haydn, Bach, & Brahms,
solos, duets, band and orchestra,
Hours and hours of making reeds, tuning them, and adjusting them.
Too soft, so flat, chirpy from a thin tip, not balanced.
And then at the touch of the master's hand, "a reed is born!"
Over the years, life happened to us both,
...

dr. williams touched my life as part of the oklahoma youth symphony. he was a great teacher and a great musician. my thoughts are with his family.