Dawson the Pedagogue

As a choral conductor and mentor of young musicians, William Dawson sought to teach artistic excellence by focusing on rhythmic accuracy and high standards for musical expression. While viewed as a martinet by some, Dawson always demonstrated by example the “discipline of the artist” (a quote from Dawson’s student, Ralph Ellison) and would, in a sense, take students to the “woodshed” in an attempt to eke out the best from every singer. Recognized as an outstanding composer and inspiring conductor who could evoke aesthetic sounds from a performing ensemble, William Dawson was sent to Spain in the summer of 1956 as a cultural emissary by the U.S. State Department to rehearse and perform his own works, as well as those of Spanish composer, Tomas Luis de Vittoria. During the final 30 years of his life Dawson was invited to serve as conductor of the choir at Fisk University, conduct performances of his Negro Folk Symphony as well as A Negro Work Song, and appear as guest artist with countless all-state choirs and college choirs throughout the United States and beyond. In addition, Dawson was a frequent conference headliner and received myriad awards for his teaching and compositions.