Kara Williams Music
Welcome to my Earworm Factory!
My favourite story to tell about how I got into music is when my math teacher in secondary school handed me a clarinet along with a less-than-stellar algebra test. It wasn't that I was just rubbish at math (even though I was!), he was actually a keen musician and wanted to start a band at the school. I wanted a flute (only because I knew what a flute was) and he chuckled and gave me a clarinet. I didn't really know anything about the clarinet, but I took it home, got a sound out of it, and some four-plus decade years later, I have made a career out of playing clarinet PLUS I got my wish to play the flute.... and the saxophone.... and the oboe.... and the bassoon..... and.... well you get the picture!
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I love being a musician. It's who I am. I just can't imagine not being one! Because I have now been a musician a long time, my aim is to write and arrange music for a range of ensembles and ages that is engaging, meaningful to play, and ultimately, that people walk away humming! So, please click on these Band, Strings, Chamber and Solo works, Big Band, and Vocal works page links or use the site's navigation widgets to take you to genre collections, descriptions and audio files of my work, and information on where to purchase items. The music is also listed by sub-genre and/or difficulty grading on each page.
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If you do are programming one of my works, please let me know. I also love working with ensembles performing my pieces, so please get in touch if you would like your ensemble to be part the unique and rewarding experience of having a composer workshop/conduct one of their compositions.
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Oh and my math teacher? He has long retired from teaching algebra, but is still playing music :-) #lifelong
Cheers,
Kara Williams
#Australian #Diversity #Female #AuDHD #Autistic #Artistic #Neurodivergent
*Please note that the audio files on this site may differ slightly from published versions
SPOTLIGHT ON:
Music for beginner and novice ensembles
Bin Chicken Ballet
Grade 1.5 Band
If the name wasn't fun enough, the trombone section will be begging to play this quirky ballet-style waltz over and over. Perfect for any outdoor concert! Available from mattklohs.com
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Paint Box
Grade 1.0 (to Grade 4) Band
A mature sounding suite of 6 short movements based on unusual oil paint colours for beginner ensemble upwards. Available from mattklohs.com
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Paint Box
Junior to Advanced String Ensemble
Orchestrated for string ensemble, this work is super approachable for such a lush sound. Not just for novice ensembles, this work can really be exploited musically by more advanced groups. Available from mattklohs.com
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Dots and Dashes
Grade 0.5 Band
Working on slurs and staccatos? Dots and Dashes is a great first work that focusses on simple section and ensemble articulation. Directors with uneven instrumentation will love the quasi-flex scoring. Contact Kara directly if in Australia, or available through sheetmusicdirect.com and sheetmusicplus.com
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Rhythm Rhumble!
Grade 1.5 Band
So much fun! This best selling little rock-style number is also quasi-flex and features stomping and clapping from the band that can be performed with or without a percussion section. Contact Kara directly if in Australia, or available through sheetmusicdirect.com and sheetmusicplus.com
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New Recruits
Grade 0.5 Band
Written for one of Kara's own beginner bands, this lovely little march-style work features the percussion section. simple rhythms, interesting harmony, and quasi-flex scoring. Contact Kara directly if in Australia, or available through sheetmusicdirect.com and sheetmusicplus.com
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NEW RELEASES and AVAILABLE SOON.....!
'Stringy' Bin Chicken Ballet
Intermediate Strings
By request, the fabulous Bin Chicken Ballet for novice band is now published for intermediate strings and optional piano. Available through mattklohs.com
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Aquaticus: Odyssey of the Sea Turtle
Grade 5 Wind Ensemble & Piano
This evocative work depicting the circuitous journey of a sea turtle is now published and available through mattklohs.com​
Swings & Roundabouts
Grade 3 Wind Ensemble
Available after premiere in August 2025
Fun, lilting, and evocative of a circus trapeze or joyous childhood interactions with playground equipment, 'Swings and Roundabouts' is a catchy and accessible piece in 5/8 meter for intermediate wind ensembles. More details and audio of this work can be found on the Band music page of this site.
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Credits for an Un-Made Movie
Advanced Orchestra
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Consider a composer workshop session, a 'composer conducts' opportunity, or even commission a new work!
Contact Kara (bottom of this site) to discuss how easy it is to organise a composer workshop session (in person or via video-link up); have Kara conduct a work of hers that your ensemble has programmed, or how you can commission a new piece of music or arrangement of an existing work* for your ensemble from Kara! Having a composer talk with an ensemble creates unique musical insight and builds valuable relationships between the ensemble members, the composer, and the work being performed. Commissioning a work (individually, as an organisation, or as a consortium) is also not as difficult as you might think; supports the creation of new music, and is a unique, rewarding, and perpetual 'gift' for the ensemble for whom the piece is written.
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*bearing in mind any copyright caveats
PHOTO GALLERY
OTHER ACTIVITIES & MEDIA
As a composer, it is always nice to know when an ensemble is intending to perform one of your works, so please reach out if you are performing something Kara has written. Kara has, on various occasions, been able to workshop, watch, conduct or perform in ensembles playing music she has composed - which has been exciting for both the ensemble and Kara!
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Increasingly ensembles/individuals recording and posting performances of Kara's music on social media, and there is quite a bit of media out there on her wider musical endeavours. So, please 'like' karawilliamsmusic on Facebook, and feel free to Google 'Kara Williams musician' or any of her works if you are so inclined!
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As a performer, Kara has been an active participant in local community and community driven music activities. One such activity (prior to moving to Brisbane) was as a composer and bassoonist with the Riverina's Assai Quartet.
A foundation member of the chamber ensemble formed in 2020 by Riverina Conservatorium of Music (Wagga Wagga, NSW) staff, the Assai Quartet have brought their musical offerings and affable, conversational approach to performing to audiences in traditional and non-traditional venues around the region. The Assai Quartet's flute, violin, acoustic guitar and bassoon instrumentation is based on a Trio-Sonate format (two melody instruments and basso-continuo); and whilst the ensemble does perform traditional repertoire for this setting, they have been very active in creating and performing new compositions. Their recently recorded album 'Origin' features all original music written for the ensemble by local composers Fran Griffin, Dr. Harold Gretton, Brett Thompson and Kara Williams; and is available on streaming platforms and on YouTube
Other information on the Riverina's Assai Quartet can be found by 'Google Search"
Assai Quartet 'live at lunch' performance of Allegro Assai (Kara Williams), Danish Blue (Harold Gretton), Fantasy on the 'Augathella Drovers' (Brett Thompson), and Hemos Acabado! (Kara Williams) 2022
Assai Quartet live at the Thirsty Crow Brewery (Crowded Chamber Series 5) 2021 performing Rondeau by Marais
Assai Quartet recorded rehearsal 1 2021 Allegretto from CPE Bach's Triosonate in a-moll
Assai Quartet recorded rehearsal 2 2021 Rondeau from Marais' Suite in C-Dur
About Me.
BACKGROUND STUFF!
Given the breadth of Kara's musical experience, this is an abbreviated version!
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Kara has been fortunate enough to work and perform at a professional level with some of Australia's finest musicians throughout her career. From an early age Kara has been in demand as a performer in a wide range of large ensembles, contemporary music groups, and chamber ensembles. Of note, Kara attended National Music Camp on two occasions (saxophone) prior to the Camp ceasing its wind band program, was a member of the Melbourne Opera Orchestra (clarinet) Adelaide Art Orchestra (flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone), has performed in recitals as a featured soloist on a variety of woodwinds, and has performed in the pit orchestras of hundreds of music theatre productions (school, amateur, and professional level).
Awarded Instrumental Music Teacher registration by the Education Department of Victoria in 1989, she went on to teach woodwind, brass, and percussion in various North East Victorian public and Catholic schools, including the establishment and conducting of a wind band at Rutherglen Secondary College for a number of years prior to enlisting in the ADF as a full time musician.
One of the first handful of musically proficient Direct Entry musicians accepted by audition into the Royal Australian Navy Band, Kara continued to develop a wide range of performance and organisational management skills and knowledge after completing her basic/recruit training. Although enlisted as a clarinet player, Kara regularly performed in the organisation's concert band, rock group, big band (jazz ensemble), woodwind quintet, and parade band on a range of instruments including flute and piccolo, oboe and cor anglais, saxophones, bassoon, keys, voice, and percussion. On promotion to Chief Petty Officer (unit manager) Kara was posted as Bandmaster (head of unit) to the part-time band situated in Adelaide where she conducted/ran the unit's ensembles, and routinely organised and performed in commitments of national and international significance. Having undertaken various overseas deployments, Kara has also organised and performed in events all around the world. During the later part of her 24 year career, Kara spent nearly 6 years at the tri-Service Defence Force School of Music as an advanced courses instructor, trainee mentor, and training development/compliance officer.
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Returning to teaching (Vic, NSW and now QLD) after leaving the ADF, Kara started composing music for local ensembles and her music was quickly picked up for publication. Her extensive history in transcribing, arranging and orchestrating music, varied performance experience, and intimate understanding of a wide range of instruments underpins Kara's writing. Starting at age 15, Kara has transcribed, orchestrated, and arranged hundreds of charts for a variety of ensembles, but had not written anything of her own until this point. Her works have now been judged winning entries in Australia-wide composition competitions, and have been performed in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, and right across Australia, with performers and audience members reaching out to Kara to personally comment on how much they have enjoyed her music.
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In more detail
2024-
Music teacher, composer, conductor, freelance musician
Brisbane
A Most Phantastic Journey listed as an Open B Grade NSW Band Championships test piece. Became an Australian Music Centre (AMC) Associate Represented Artist. Commenced Post Graduate Studies in Music at the University of Queensland. Adjudicated the Australian Works section of the Queensland Clarinet and Saxophone Society (QCASS) Competition in Brisbane. Admitted into the Music Arranger's Guild of Australia (arranger and copyist) as a full member (Member #715). Featured composer in a Brisbane TEDX talk by Dr. Emma Di Marco. Conducted the world premiere of A Most Phantastic Journey with Queensland Wind and Brass. Fade To Black chosen as one of 14 arrangements of songs by Metallica for the 2024 ArrangeMe-Hal Leonard Metallica Marching Band Competition in the USA. Appointed woodwind tutor and chamber ensemble director (clarinet, saxophone, oboe, and bassoon) at Loreto Girls College (Coorparoo). Music theatre pit musician. Member of Queensland Wind and Brass Wind Ensemble (oboe/cor anglais and saxophone); guest conductor. Postcards from Big Things and Ash Grove listed as NSW State Band Championship test pieces. Term 1 appointment (LSL cover) flute, clarinet, saxophone tutor and Wind/Jazz Ensemble director at Brisbane Girls Grammar School. Conducted Postcards from Big Things at the BGGS International Women's Day Concert. Postcards From Big Things Premiered by the Melbourne Youth Orchestra Summer School 'Cameron' Wind Ensemble, conducted by Dr. Kevin Cameron.
2019-2023
Musician, teacher, composer, conductor
Melbourne, Wagga Wagga
Sapphire named joint Winner of the Australian Inclusive Composition Award 2023 (Wind Ensemble Grade 5). Co-Director of Maestros With a Mission Pty Ltd. Eisteddfod adjudication, music skills workshop facilitation. Music theatre musician and assistant MD. Ensemble mentor, ensemble director at the Riverina Conservatorium of Music (also contracted to local primary schools for lessons and conducting bands). Co-founded and musically directed the Simmons Street Big Band (Riverina NSW). Composer. Guest performer with premier local contemporary band Groove Factorie. Foundation member of the Assai Quartet (bassoon), and recorded an album of original works with the ensemble (see details above). Solo recital of works for multi-instrumentalist (all Australian premieres) featuring 11 different woodwind instruments. Awarded Diploma of Leadership and Management, and Bachelor of Information Studies (Records & Archives Management) with Honours, and all academic awards. Ash Grove recorded by the Castle Hill RSL North West Wind Ensemble under the baton of James Brice. Overture an Endless Summer programmed in New Zealand, and several United States university and community Wind Band programmes along side established world-class composers.
1995-2019
Royal Australian Navy Band
Civilian Music Activities
Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide
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2013-2019 Melbourne and Adelaide. Promoted to Chief Petty Officer (unit manager, conductor, Drum Major). Posted to Adelaide (Reserve Unit). Organised and managed unit running requirements including Sydney International Fleet Review, new fleet unit Keel Laying, Launching and Commissioning ceremonies, Freedom of Entry marches, ANZAC Day, and other high profile commitments. Carried out and invigilated unit member training requirements. Posted to tri-Service School of Music as training development/compliance officer, and records manager.
Member of the Adelaide Art Orchestra (professional), performing in amateur and semi professional music theatre and cabaret shows in Adelaide and Melbourne, teaching flute at Loyola College (Melbourne). Tutored oboe and saxophone, and ran the Big Band at Border Music Camp (Albury).
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2003-2013 Sydney and Melbourne. Promoted to Petty Officer (group leader/conductor - Diploma of Music equivalent). Continued clarinet studies through Australian Institute of Music (Anthony Wheeler) in Sydney. Successful AMEB AMUSA (clarinet) and ADF M3 skill test for executive musical performance/soloist (flute and clarinet). Deployments to sea on HMAS Manoora (New Zealand), Tobruk (South Pacific), Adelaide (India, Singapore) Sydney (Canada, Hawaii, West Coast USA), and ANZAC (8 month world trip). Operational deployment to Iraq (Active Service). China and Brunei International Tattoos, ANZAC memorials Gallipoli, Melbourne Commonwealth Games. Awarded unit citation for exemplary service. Completed CERT IV in training and assessment. Posted as an instructor at the tri-Service Defence Force School of Music (Melbourne). Recognised unit arranger.
Various amateur and semi professional music theatre and cabaret shows in Sydney and Melbourne. Member of the Melbourne Opera Orchestra (clarinet).
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2000-2003 Sydney: Promoted to Leading Seaman (section leader). Member of all groups, ran the Woodwind Quintet. Recognised music arranger. Completed basic sound engineering (PA) course. Qualified as workplace assessor (RTO), Cert IV in Ensemble awarded.
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1995-1999 Melbourne and Sydney: general musician (M2), all ensembles. Deployment to Sea on HMAS Torrens (South East Asia, South Pacific). Australia Remembers Tour (Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia), Manila International Trade Fair, Sydney Olympics. Performed duet with Don Burrows at Thredbo Jazz Festival. Performed with Don Burrows, George Golla, and James Morrison at the Basement in Sydney.
1988-1994
Early Career
NE Victoria/Southern NSW
Awarded Education Department of Victoria teacher registration and started teaching instrumental music in North East Victorian Schools (woodwind, brass, and percussion). Became full-time member of a local 50s/60s covers band (saxophone, keys, vocals, guitar) The Early's , also member of two local Big Bands and the local wind band. Performed in Pit Orchestras regionally, organised music for student musicals. Completed Flute and Clarinet AMEB exams through Murray Conservatorium of Music (Albury). Performed public solo recital - clarinet (Brahms No. 2) Albury. Successful audition into the RAN Band (clarinet).
1982-1987
Secondary schooling
NE Victoria
Learned clarinet, trombone, violin, and guitar. Also performed on flute, oboe, saxophone, bassoon, piano, trumpet, and percussion/drum kit (self taught). Performed in big bands, chamber ensembles, music theatre pit ensembles, wind bands, jazz groups, orchestras, and choirs. Started transcribing and arranging ensemble music unaided. Was the ensemble leader (solo clarinet) for the regional representative Wind Band. Entered and won Eisteddfod solo sections (clarinet). Attended Border Music Camps (1984-1987 clarinet, saxophone, oboe) and National Music Camps (1985 and 1987 saxophone).