Description
William Gilmer, a music educator, bassoonist, and conductor, moved to San Diego after retiring from a career as a music educator in Illinois. For 28 years he served as the Director of Bands at Willowbrook High School in Villa Park, Illinois where the band program was recognized as one of the outstanding programs in the state. Bill was presented the Mary Hoffman Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music Education by the ILMEA at the state conference in January 2013. Following retirement he served as an adjunct professor at Concordia University in River Forest, IL and as the music director for the Des Plaines Community Band, Des Plaines, IL.
Since moving to San Diego, Bill has been active as a bassoonist playing principal bassoon for the North Coast Symphony where he also serves as president of the board of directors. He also serves as principal bassoonist for the New City Sinfonia. In addition he is the conductor for the Villa Musica Summer Wind Ensemble.
Bill holds both a Bachelor of Music Education degree and Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Tulsa. where he was named the Presser Scholar in music education. He earned his Master of Music degree from Northwestern University and has done post-graduate work at the University of Illinois, Vandercook College of Music, and Northwestern.
Bill believes that studying music and making music is transformative. Villa Musica provides a quality music education experience to a broad spectrum of people across San Diego. As a career music educator, it is his pleasure to help a great organization like Villa Musica continue to inspire people to explore and value music in their lives!
