David Willson

Every Day in Every Way is a memoir of and by David Willson, Professor of Music, and Director of University Bands Emeritus at the University of Mississippi whose life and work has inspired thousands. Over David's career, he has made it his mission to not only serve his students but also to teach them to live their lives in a way that matters, a philosophy that he has stood by through the many ups and downs of his life's journey. David began his career as a public-school band director. His bands...See more

Every Day in Every Way is a memoir of and by David Willson, Professor of Music, and Director of University Bands Emeritus at the University of Mississippi whose life and work has inspired thousands. Over David's career, he has made it his mission to not only serve his students but also to teach them to live their lives in a way that matters, a philosophy that he has stood by through the many ups and downs of his life's journey. David began his career as a public-school band director. His bands consistently received many prestigious awards at local and national competitions and received Mississippi's Outstanding Band Master award in 1989 and he is Past President of the Mississippi Band Masters Association, and Past President of Phi Beta Mu International. His success continued at the University of Mississippi. Under David's direction, his students have joined in various competitions and performances and have been featured on radio and received numerous awards. At the University he was named the Elise M. Hood Professor of the Year in 2007 and was awarded the Frist Award "for his service to students" in 2005. His most notable success is the Pride of the South Marching Band. Under his direction, the band has doubled in size and made the "Grove Routine" part of the Ole Miss tradition. The Wind Ensemble that he conducted performed at six state conventions. As told to Stephen and Dawn Beam - Every Day in Every Way is David Willson's autobiography as told to Stephen and Dawn Beam. Dawn was a student of Mr. Willson's from the Fall of 1978 to May of 1982. During that time, Dawn excelled in band but also came to love and appreciate the self-discipline instilled in her daily by Willson. In the Fall of 2022 following Willson's lengthy hospitalization and recovery, Dawn and her husband, Stephen, had dinner with Mr. Willson and his wife, Joan. As the two couples discussed many memories, Dawn suggested Mr. Willson write a book and volunteered to help memorialize the extraordinary impact Willson has had on many lives throughout his teaching career. Dawn and Stephen usually come as a team. Stephen has written several books and edited the book so that it would flow smoothly. Stephen and Dawn live in Sumrall, Mississippi and have 5 kids and 1 granddaughter. Stephen has been a teacher, physician, and author. Dawn currently serves as a Justice on the Mississippi Supreme Court. See less