The Pride of West Virginia Mountaineer Marching Band named Cheldon Williams as its 13th director effective Aug. 1.
Williams, a graduate teaching assistant for the Longhorn Band at the University of Texas at Austin, will replace Stephen Lytle, who resigned May 1.
“I intend for the West Virginia University Marching Band to serve as ambassadors for the heart and spirit of the university,” Williams said in a statement provided by WVU. “We will, of course, keep a very watchful eye on the past while forging ahead into an exciting future.”
Williams said he plans to focus on entertainment, quality and innovation with the band.
The 330-member Pride of WVU Marching Band traces its beginnings back to 1901. Band membership is open to any student on the campus, but an audition is required.
Besides directing the Pride, Williams will conduct the Symphonic Bands, as well as other athletic pep bands. He will also teach courses in the School of Music and assist Director of Bands Scott Tobias in the administration of the bands program.
“He brings with him extensive experience with both concert bands and marching bands,” Tobias said. “Ensembles under his direction have demonstrated a high level of performance as evidenced by invitations to appear at significant events throughout the United States and Europe.
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