Anthony Williams

Anthony Williams enjoys a high frequency of performing in classical, jazz, and new music settings. He is principal trombonist of the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony and performs regularly with other orchestras in the region. As a soloist and chamber musician, Williams performs often locally and nationally at festivals and universities. International performances include appearances in Germany, Austria, Italy, Cuba, Czech Republic, and Hungary.

His current jazz and commercial music performance activities include regular appearances with local and regional groups such as The Iowa Jazz Composers Orchestra, Max Wellman Big Band, Orquesta Alto Maiz, Chris Merz’s Shorter Stories, NOLA Jazz Band, and many others. Williams’ past experiences include engagements with the Memphis Symphony, Memphis Jazz Orchestra, Ray Charles Orchestra, Arkansas Symphony, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, The Temptations, Natalie Cole, Four Tops, and Aretha Franklin. His pit orchestra experience includes performances with the national tours of Some Like it Hot, MJ the Musical, Funny Girl, and TINA.

His debut solo album, “Synthesis,” is a collection of five newly commissioned works for solo trombone composed and performed by UNI faculty and student musicians from the past and present. The album contains pieces scored for various ensemble settings featuring influences from classical, Latin, and jazz styles. Williams has continued his passion for commissioning new music by having two new pieces, Para Anthony, by Jorge Sosa (2024) and Lesley, by Henry Dorn (2025), written for the Skins, Bones, and Ivories Too trio that is made up of Williams on trombone, Sean Botkin on piano, and Matt Andreini on percussion.

Recent recordings projects include recordings as trombonist with the Iowa Jazz Composers Orchestra (Maya Roots 2025 and Fertile Soil Suite 2021), Tanarat Chaichana Jazz Orchestra (Portraits of Thailand 2022), Endeavor Jazz Orchestra (Solipsis: Music of Ryan Brake 2021), Chris Merz’s Shorter Stories (New JuJu 2023) and David People’s Electrophonic Orchestra (Itty-Bitty Bluesopera 2020) Additional recording credits include, Origin Suite and Time Within Itself with the Mike Waldrop Big Band “Grosso for Trombone and Electronics” for Mexican-born composer Jorge Sosa’s album, Plastic Time, and albums by UNI alums Ryan Middagh and Dave Lisik.

Dr. Williams is Associate Professor of Trombone at the University of Northern Iowa where he teaches applied trombone, trombone pedagogy and literature, low brass techniques, and directs the UNI Trombone Ensemble and Trombone Quartet. He also serves as a member of UNI’s jazz faculty by teaching applied jazz trombone and directing the UNI Jazz Trombone Ensemble.

Dr. Williams earned degrees from the University of Central Arkansas (BM), University of Northern Iowa (MM), and the University of Memphis (DMA).

Learn more about Anthony at his website: anthonywilliamstrombone.com