Music Professor Bonnie Blu Williams Delivers Arts & Sciences Lecture

Music Professor Bonnie Blu Williams

Music-related journeys have taken Mississippi College professor Bonnie Blu Williams to England, the Ukraine, Taiwan and other spots on the globe over the years.

A well-traveled MC educator, Williams will be a guest lecturer on the Clinton campus October 31.

Her topic is “How Do We Get from Here to There.” The Clinton resident is serving as the distinguished lecturer at the MC School of the Arts & Sciences speaker series that Thursday evening. The program begins at 7:30 p.m. in Aven Hall.

Rather than dwelling on her travels, Williams will take her audience on her step-by-step approach to teaching music students. Her lecture will involve student participation and discuss what they’ve learned in music education.

While Williams has worked for years teaching music classes on the Clinton campus, she’s also a frequent flier.

The Leesville, Louisiana native served as professor in residence for three years at Mississippi College’s London Semester program. The pianist enjoyed sipping coffee at Yalta in the Ukraine this past summer. She went overseas to visit MC music graduate Virginia Scott, a Peace Corps member teaching school in the Ukraine.

Williams is a great choice for the honor of distinguished lecturer, says Wayne VanHorn, dean of the School of Christian Studies and the Arts. She was selected by arts & sciences faculty members.

“In addition to her proven results in the classroom, she has given herself indefatigably to her students outside the classroom, including opening her home to student-related social events,” including Christmas parties, VanHorn said.

Williams received her bachelor’s degree in music education at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. She earned a master’s in music education and doctorate at the University of North Texas in Denton. Williams teaches elementary and vocal music methods, music for elementary education majors and music appreciation, among other things.

In May, Williams joined music professor Michael Rushing, director of MC’s Taylor School, to present a paper at a music educators conference in Taiwan. She’s a member of the Sanctuary Choir at First Baptist Church Jackson.