William Montgomery

Birth date: Mar 28, 1934 Death date: Dec 31, 2023

William Montgomery was born on March 28, 1934 in Waco, Texas. His parents were Layton E Montgomery and Faye Ruth Montgomery. At the age of 14, he left Texas to follow his flute teacher to Illinois. He eventually went to Cornell Co Read Obituary

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Susan Roth

70w ago

I am sorry for your loss. He was someone my father knew and loved. While going through papers of my grandmother Willie Newman, I found remembrances of young Bill Montgomery that I posted to Ancestry. There is a 3 x 5 card dated Jan. 1940 that says he appreciates and participates in all music activities, and concerning Rhythm: Excellent. Good co-ordination His great aunt also saved his handwritten thank you note upon his high school graduation, when he told her he would be going to Cornell College in Iowa in the fall 1950.

Julie Stone

88w ago

Dr. Montgomery had a profound impact on many flutists and I know I would not be where I am today without his mentorship. He was a true force of nature. I recall when I auditioned for him he had broken his back but he was still hearing auditions flat on his back!

Christine F Moulton

89w ago

Bill was an active contributor to all the meetings of the Marcel Moyse Society whenever he was at the NFA conventions. I admired his clarity and perspective. He seemed to always emanate calmness and authority that came from experience and it was always uplifting and a delight to see and chat with him. He is missed. Christine Moulton, secretary of the Marcel Moyse Society.

Alexandra Gilbert

90w ago

I believe I was part of the last class of flutists that Dr. Montgomery admitted to the University of Maryland for the 2015-2016 school year. I grew up hearing all about him from my high school teacher and a friend of mine from church, Roy Hakes. Roy had been the UMD Flute Studio pianist for many years and would accompany me as I played in church services. I was told all about Dr. Montgomery’s many accomplishments, as well as his intense teaching methods, so I never expected to get into UMD. However, at my audition almost exactly nine years ago, I entered the room as a terrified and unconfident young flutist, but shockingly left believing in myself. As I finished playing. Dr. Montgomery asked if I would consider adding a performance degree to my education degree because he believed that I would succeed in doing both. This moment completely changed my life and helped me to grow into a proud and confident flutist and music educator. I respected him immensely, and his support meant the world to me. He helped me to see my potential and to have faith in myself.

I actually had the honor of seeing Dr. Montgomery just a few weeks ago as several UMD music alumni and I were able to induct him into UMD’s chapter of ODK. I shared my story and thanks with him and feel that I was truly meant to see him one more time. I had to let him know what he meant to me. Thank you for everything, Dr. Montgomery.

Brynton T.

90w ago

Planted a grove of 10 Memorial Trees in honor of William.

A vibrant green tree flourishes in a sunny area, showcasing thick leaves and a sturdy trunk.

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Sarah Bonta

91w ago

I studied flute with Dr Montgomery from 2003-2007 at University of Maryland. Few people have had as profound an impact on my life and career as he has. He was a tough and challenging teacher, but in his own way he showed that he believed in me at times when I didn’t believe in myself. He also sought out financial aid opportunities for me and even hired me to organize his extensive music library, knowing there were limitations to my resources to pay for the many expenses involved with studying music performance. He pushed me to pursue academic opportunities I never would have otherwise. He activated a grit in me that has been so critical, not only in my career but in my life, and I will be forever grateful for his impact.

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