Rate My Professor Bill Rose

William G. Rose serves as Associate Professor of Music and Assistant Department Head in McNeese State University’s W.A. and Dorothy Hanna Department of Performing Arts. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and his master’s degree from Michigan State University. In his teaching role, Rose leads the low brass studio, directs the McNeese Alphorn Ensemble, conducts the brass choir and jazz ensemble, and teaches courses in jazz improvisation, music theory, and music technology. He has also acted as Musical Director for music theater productions at the university. Beyond academia, Rose retired after 30 years as Music Director at St. Luke-Simpson United Methodist Church in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and has served as Music Director and conductor for numerous theatrical productions and concerts in Southwest Louisiana.

Recently appointed Conductor and Artistic Director of the Lake Charles Symphony—where he has performed as Principal Trombone since 1986—Rose also continues in his 39th year as Principal Trombone with the Rapides Symphony Orchestra. A prolific composer and arranger, he has produced over 500 works for ballet, band, orchestra, theater, jazz ensemble, choir, handbells, brass ensembles, alphorn choir, and solo instruments including voice, organ, piano, brass, and alphorn. Key compositions include “Toccata for Bass Trombone and Piano,” the trombone and piano transcription of “Concertino for Trombone and Band,” “Improvisation #1” for alphorn and piano, “Bouncy Tune” for tenor trombone and piano, “The Girl From Glarus” for alphorn quartet, “Chorale Prelude on REGENT SQUARE” for alphorn quartet and organ, and “On Christmas – SUSSEX CAROL” for organ. Rose has premiered works and performed as a clinician at prestigious events such as the International Trombone Association Festival, New York Brass Conference, Big 12 Trombone Conference, and International Horn Society Festival. He serves as chair of the International Trombone Association Press, instructor for the Northwest Alphorn Workshop, assistant instructor for the Midwest Alphorn Retreat, and has conducted at the North American Alphorn Retreat. Recognized as a Yamaha Performing Artist and Melodious Accord Composition Fellow, he received McNeese State University’s President’s Award for Excellence in 2022.