Friday, April 1, 2016

Retiring Pottsgrove Music Teacher to Conduct Pennsylvania Philharmonic in April 9 Concert

Kathy Williams
Blogger's Note: The following was provided by the Pennsylvania Philharmonic.

Pottsgrove music teacher Kathy Williams will be recognized for her service to the local music community April 9 by making a guest appearance conducting a piece at the Pennsylvania Philharmonic's Pottstown performance of Symphonic Soundtracks.

The program begins at 7:30 p.m. at Pottstown High School and features some of film's most poignant, rousing, and unforgettable classical pieces.

Williams was chosen to be honored by the Pennsylvania Philharmonic in celebration of her retirement from the Pottsgrove School District. 

She has been a part of the Pottsgrove music program since 1981. Her ambitious career has helped distinguish Pottsgrove for award-winning band and orchestra performances, in addition to building the music program's enrollment beyond capacity, and being the catalyst for expansion.

Williams joins a family legacy of music educators and arts ambassadors. She was the daughter of longtime music educator and Pottstown Symphony founder William Lamb. 

From 1964 until its closure in 2010, the Pottstown Symphony thrived and provided music education programs similar to the Pennsylvania Philharmonic. Williams’s mother, Margaretta Lamb, was also a music educator, conductor, and performer right up until her passing.

Williams has been an integral part of music education in the Pottsgrove community for her entire working life. 

Inspired by the accomplishments of both Boyertown and Pottstown's music departments, Kathy helped expand the number of students participating in a wide variety of performance groups, and was also vital in bringing together the Pottsgrove and Pottstown School Districts to present the Pennsylvania Philharmonic to students in grades 4-8.

"In the last 10 years, we've received unprecedented support from the superintendent, administration, school board, administration, and dedicated music educators who understand the importance of music education in the lives of the students of Pottsgrove," Williams said. 

"We have been given a chance to make sure that every student at Pottsgrove that wants to achieve success and find a family where they are accepted, has a place in Pottsgrove’s Music Department," she said.

Williams exemplifies the commitment to music education that the Pennsylvania Philharmonic hopes to demonstrate in the region, and her selfless efforts to build the Pottsgrove School District music program, to maintain the legacy of the Pottstown Symphony, and to enhance the lives of generations of students to come are all part of our recognition of her contributions to the local music community. 

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