William Bell

This post is part of a series called Know This Brass Player which features famous brass players from all over the world. 

Name: William Bell (1902-1971)

Instrument: Tuba

Location: USA

Significance: William “Bill” Bell was one of the most notable tuba players of the early 20th Century. Studying music at the University of North Dakota, Bell first started his performing career as a member of John Philip Sousa’s band. In 1924, Bell became the Principal Tuba of the Cincinnati Symphony, at the time conducted by Fritz Reiner. Bell held this position until 1937 when he received a personal invitation to join the famous NBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Arturo Toscanini. In 1943, Bell became a member of the New York Philharmonic, the greatest orchestra at that time in the world. During his tenure with New York, Bell continued building his legacy by performing the American premiere of the Vaughan William’s Tuba Concerto (1955) as well as performances of Tubby the Tuba and When Yuba Plays The Rhumba on the Tuba.

As a result of his playing, Bell became a well-known teacher first starting at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Once in New York, he maintained a large studio of private students and students from both Juilliard and the Manhattan School of Music. Later in 1961, Bell was recruited to become the Professor of Tuba at the Indiana University School of Music. It was in this position where Bell was able to make the most impact on the brass world. Due to his teaching, many of his students have gone on to distinguished careers such Harvey Phillips, Don Harry, R. Winston Morris, among countless others.

When Bell retired in 1971, Indiana went on to hire Phillips which continued the Bell tradition. Due to Bell’s positive influence, Phillips created a memorial scholarship at Indiana for Bell. In addition to the scholarship, Phillips started TUBAChristmas to honor Bell’s birthday (December 25th), and made this event to become an annual tradition held all over the world for tuba and euphonium players.

Sources consulted for research:
Wikipedia
Windsong Press