Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

March 9, 1933 in Lubbock, TX

Death

:

January 6, 2012

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Band

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Symphony

 

 

Vocal

 

William Francis McBeth was an American composer, conductor, and educator who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on March 9, 1933, in Ropesville, Texas, McBeth grew up in a musical family. His father was a band director, and his mother was a pianist. McBeth began playing the trumpet at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. McBeth attended Texas Tech University, where he earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1955. He then went on to earn a Master of Music degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1956. During his time at Texas Tech, McBeth played in the university's band and orchestra and was a member of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia fraternity. After completing his education, McBeth began his career as a music educator. He taught at several high schools in Texas before joining the faculty at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkansas in 1957. McBeth served as the director of bands at Ouachita for 36 years, during which time he built the university's band program into one of the best in the country. In addition to his work as an educator, McBeth was also a prolific composer. He wrote over 100 works for band, orchestra, choir, and chamber ensembles. His compositions are known for their rich harmonies, complex rhythms, and emotional depth. One of McBeth's most famous works is his Symphony No. 1, "Of Mountains and Rivers." The piece was commissioned by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and premiered in 1976. The symphony is a musical depiction of the natural beauty of Arkansas, with each movement representing a different aspect of the state's landscape. The work has been performed by orchestras around the world and is considered a masterpiece of American classical music. Another notable work by McBeth is his "Chant and Jubilo" for band. The piece was commissioned by the United States Air Force Band and premiered in 1969. It is a powerful and uplifting work that showcases McBeth's skill at writing for large ensembles. "Chant and Jubilo" has become a staple of the band repertoire and is frequently performed by high school and college bands. McBeth's other works for band include "Kaddish," a hauntingly beautiful tribute to the victims of the Holocaust, and "Masque," a lively and playful piece that showcases the versatility of the band as an ensemble. In addition to his work as a composer and educator, McBeth was also a respected conductor. He conducted numerous All-State and All-Region bands and orchestras and was a frequent guest conductor at music festivals and conferences around the country. McBeth's contributions to the world of classical music were recognized with numerous awards and honors. He was inducted into the American Bandmasters Association in 1976 and was awarded the John Philip Sousa Foundation's Sudler Medal for Lifetime Achievement in 1996. In 2002, he was named a Distinguished Alumnus of Texas Tech University. McBeth continued to compose and conduct music until his death on January 6, 2012, at the age of 78. His legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and enjoyed by musicians and audiences around the world.

More....