MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Graduate teaching assistant from the University of Texas at Austin, Cheldon Williams has been introduced as the new associate director of bands at WVU.

Prior to his enrollment at The University of Texas at Austin, Williams served as an interim associate director of bands at New Mexico State University, director of bands and orchestras at J.P. Taravella High School and associate director of bands at Cypress Bay High School.

Director of the WVU School of Music, Michael Ibrahim says his experience makes him the fit for the duties he’ll be asked to accomplish.

“Director of the Pride, Director of the Marching Band of WVU,’ Ibrahim said,”Which is such an important ensemble, not only for the school and the university but for the state, we feel like it’s not only the university’s band but it is the state’s band.”

Williams will also conduct the Symphonic Band, other athletic prep bands and teach courses at the School of Music.

“His experience at New Mexico State, where the position he was doing there was very similar to what he’ll be doing here. So, we know he has that,” Ibrahim said,”His experience as a K through 12 band director is very important to us.”

Williams graduated from The University of Texas this year with a doctor of musical arts degree in wind conducting. He is also a two-time graduate of Florida State University, earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Music Education.

“We know he’s got experience on a very public stage, in a very high level athletic environment,”Ibrahim said,”Which is a part of the job here.”

Ibrahim says Williams is very energetic, talented and is eager to get started.

“Our marching band is not only music majors, but it’s comprised of students across the whole university,”Ibrahim said,”I know he’s looking forward to meeting everyone that’s part of that community.”