Sidney Williams

Email: sewillia@mpsaz.org
Phone: 480-472-2789

Biography

I started playing the viola in 4th grade.  I wanted to play the cello but my parents said they were too expensive to rent, so I used the brand new viola the school loaned me.  I had been taking piano lessons since 3rd grade, so reading music wasn't new to me.  Because I've stayed with it since then, it's probably obvious that music is a huge part of my life.  I'll skip ahead to college, where I was the only viola major (not the only player, though), and so I was recruited to play with every group or for every recital which required a violist; needless to say, I got a lot of playing experience.  I have a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from NAU and a Master's in Viola Performance from ASU.

I taught at Taylor Junior High for 9 years (Irving and Johnson elementary schools for 2 years), and have been at Stapley since it opened in 1994 (and Ishikawa for 1 year).  I taught Orchestra and French, and relinquished the French classes 7 years ago to take the Team Leader position (administrative).  In addition to the Stapley Orchestras, I am teaching the Advanced Orchestra at the Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies.

I perform professionally around the valley and in the state.  In addition to playing for lots of weddings, receptions, and parties, I am frequently called to play for entertainers and shows that come to the valley.  I've performed with Josh Groban, Clay Aiken, Johnny Mathis, Mannheim Steamroller, Rod Stewart, Bob Hope, George Burns, Bernadette Peters, and so many others that I've honestly lost track.  I've also played for touring shows in the Gammage Broadway series, including Camelot, The Color Purple, My Fair Lady, and The Lion King.  And finally, I am a sub with the Phoenix Symphony and usually perform with them several times each year.