Will Peebles

Dr. Will Peebles is a Professor in the School of Music at Western Carolina University, housed within the David Orr Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts. His roles include teaching, research, and coordinating music advising.

Education:

• Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA), Michigan State University
• Master of Music (MM), Michigan State University
• Master of Social Work (MSW), Michigan State University
• Bachelor of Arts (BA), Michigan State University

Research Interests: Specializes in historical musical instruments, particularly the bassoon and clarinet. Investigates the work of James Dean Mackey, an inventor of clarinet mechanisms and a unique Boehm-system bassoon, and explores a hybrid bassoon owned by Fred Bettoney (Boston Symphony). He maintains a private collection of historical bassoons.

Teaching & Activities: Teaches bassoon studio, gamelan ensemble, music theory, counterpoint, orchestration, and world music. Coordinates shape-note singing for WCU’s Mountain Heritage Day, using historic Sacred Harp and Christian Harmony traditions. Active in regional orchestras as a contrabassoonist and participates in shape-note singing communities.

Affiliations: Member of the American Federation of Musicians, International Double Reed Society, and American Musical Instrument Society.