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!
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 can 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. Music is listed by sub-genre and/or difficulty grading on each page, and links to performances of my work can be found on the Performance examples page.
Also scroll down this page further for featured items (Spotlight on) and upcoming/new releases.
Composers are not just names on pages! If you are programming one of my works, please let me know, and share recordings of my works so I can include links to them here. 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 the composer workshop/conduct one of their compositions. The connection and insight into the music you are performing from the person who actually wrote it is a wonderful experience.
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:
FESTIVE MUSIC
WANDERING WENCESLAS
Grade 1 Band
Based on the traditional melody ‘Tempus Adeste Floridum’ this fun arrangement of the well-known Christmas carol “Good King Wenceslas” is perfect for novice ensembles and groups with more limited instrumentation. Available from sheetmusicdirect. Contact Kara directly if in Australia.
SANTA BABY [BOOGIE]
Intermediate Clarinet Ensemble (Bb 1-2-3-4 Bass)
Available from sheetmusicdirect, the ever-fabulous Santa Baby made famous by Eartha Kitt has been given a boogie makeover for clarinet ensemble - and your bass clarinet/s will just love this one!
RUDOLF FINISHES HIS SHIFT
Grade 2.5 Flex Band (opt. perc.)
Want a fun piece for this year’s Christmas concert? Aimed at advancing beginners through to intermediate+ players, this creatively arranged version of ‘Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer’ evokes an image of Rudolf as he arrives home and stumbles into bed happy but exhausted after leading Santa’s sleigh around the world on Christmas Eve. Available from sheetmusicdirect.
TWILIGHT WONDERMENT
Grade 4 Band
Commissioned for the 2022, this work portrays the excitement in anticipation and arrival at a big event in the local park. As darkness approaches, there is a moment of stillness and wonderment absorbed into the delicate magic of the sparkling fairy-light laden tree in the middle of the park, before being drawn back into the evening’s festivities. Available from mattklohs.com.
TWILIGHT WONDERMENT
Intermediate to Advanced Symphony Orchestra
This original orchestral version is available from mattklohs.com.
THIS CHRISTMAS
Grade 3 Jazz Ensemble
This well-known seasonal hit has been given a makeover combining all the characteristic aspects of the original song with jazz ensemble and funk styling. This instrumental version of the Donny Hathaway and Nadine Mckinnor’s classic is available from sheetmusicdirect.
FANTASY (Fantasia) ON TWO WELL-KNOWN CHRISTMAS CAROLS - Intermediate to Advanced Symphony Orchestra
Originally published as an Organ Solo by John Ebenezer West in 1917, Kara has thoughtfully reimagined this work for orchestra (including percussion) to engage West’s clever arrangement of The First Novel and Good King Wenceslas with a whole new audience. Available from sheetmusicdirect. Contact Kara directly if in Australia.
A CHRISTMAS GREETING Op. 52 - Intermediate to Advanced Symphony Orchestra
This delightful work by Edward Elgar has been thoughtfully orchestrated by Kara, and is aimed at intermediate level ensembles. This work is a lovely addition to any program, and not just for Christmas time! Available from sheetmusicdirect. Contact Kara directly if in Australia.
NEW RELEASES and AVAILABLE SOON.....!
(More) Postcards from Big Things
Grade 4 Wind Ensemble
New Release Available Now!
This long anticipated suite of 5 Queensland big things (Meat Ant, Sapphire, Cane Toad, Dugong, and Pineapple) is now available from mattklohs.com. This suite follows on from Postcards from Big Things NSW and can be mixed and matched, or programmed together to form a cohesive major work of 10 short movements lasting around 2 minutes each! Let the NSW/QLD rivalry begin!
Swimming Between the Flags (suite)
Grade .5-1 Band
New Release Available Now!
This suite of five short upbeat tunes in 4 parts (FLEX) plus percussion is extremely accessible and rehearses quickly. Using the old vegetables hidden in bolognaise trick, this suite is jam packed full of learning points for developing bands, and has been 100% endorsed as extremely fun to play by the young musicians who requested its creation! Inspired by beach scenes, Lighthouse Rock, Shaking the Sand Out, Seagull Strut (including the chip heist), March of the Soldier Crabs, and Surf's Up! will brighten up any beginner to lower intermediate ensemble's day. Available as a complete suite from mattklohs.com now.
Cavill Avenue Groove
Level 1.5 Jazz Ensemble
New Release Available Now!
This quasi-flex big band chart is named after the famous street running through the middle of Surfers Paradise. It features four parts playable by various combinations of horns, plus a standard guitar, keys, bass, and drum kit rhythm section. In a fun fusion funk-rock style featuring two distinct grooves (the street vibe at night, and during the day) that help develop beat anticipation confidence without the added complexity of performing in a swing style. The published version also has additional optional flute, clarinet, and French horn parts. Available from sheetmusicdirect - however if in Australia, please contact Kara directly.
Credits for an Unmade Movie - 2025 Director's Cut!
Advanced Orchestra and Grade 4 Wind Ensemble
Awaiting re-release!
Dancing to the Beat of A Different Drum
Grade 5 Band and Advanced String Orchestra/Quintet
Premiered by Queensland Wind and Brass at the ensemble's Brisbane City Hall International Women's Day Concert , this work will be available soon!
This brand new work explores aspects of being an undiagnosed neurodivergent adult in a neurotypical world, and celebrates the watershed moment of acknowledgement where everything finally makes sense and tranforms a once problematic beat into a dance of freedom, creativity, and uniqueness. It will be available for for String Orchestra and Wind Ensemble (draft audio files below)
Click to 'Like' and share karawilliamsmusic.com on Facebook and also follow on Instagram for activities and insider information on works.
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.
*bearing in mind any copyright caveats
Commissions:
Twilight Wonderment (*originally titled Riverbank Christmas) for symphony orchestra, by Riverina Conservatorium of Music
Songs of the Great Alluvial Plain for the Assai Quartet, by Riverina Water
WE SHINE! for combined band, strings, and choir, for Kedron State High School, by the KIMS Group and Alyson van Gaalen
A Mother's Love (arrangement with permission) for band, by Queensland Wind and Brass and Alisa Jones (not available to purchase)
Go West! (published arrangement) for marching band, by Matt Klohs
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!
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!
Kara is compiling a page of links to live performances of her work, so please click on the Performance Examples link here or tab on the navigation pane to check them out.
About Me.
BACKGROUND STUFF!
Given the breadth of Kara's musical experience, this is an abbreviated version!
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, community, and professional).
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, keyboard, 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. During her latter years in the ADF, Kara undertook a degree in Records and Archives Management (part-time/distance), graduating in 2019 with Distinction and all available academic awards in her course - achieving the highest GPA across all participating institutions in Australia. In between her music endeavours, she has worked as an achivist and collection manager for the Telstra Museum, CAVAL, Melbourne University, Charles Sturt University, and in QLD independent schools.
Returning to teaching music (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.
In more detail
2025-
Music teacher, composer, conductor, freelance musician, arts advocate
Gold Coast
Premiere of The Gift dedicated to Doug McGregor, commissioned and performed by South East Queensland Symphonic Winds, conducted by Adam Pittard. Premiere of We Shine! commissioned and performed by Kedron State High School, conducted by Alyson van Gaalen. US premiere of Songs of the Great Alluvial Plain by Keene State College Concert Band conducted by Dr John T. Hart Jr. Sapphire performed by the Royal Australian Navy Band at the ANBOC Conference at Sydney Conservatorium Verbruggen Hall, Cynthia Johnston Turner conducting. Premieres of Cavill Avenue Groove and Swimming Between the Flags by Trinity Lutheran College, Gold Coast, conducted by Kara Williams. Wangaratta Concert Band workshop and performance of Bin Chicken Ballet, conducted by Kara Williams. Premiere of (More) Postcards from Big Things at the 'Made in Queensland concert at the Old Museum, Brisbane, conducted by Alisa Jones. Premiere of Dancing to the Beat of a Different Drum by Queensland Wind and Brass at the 2026 International Women's Day concert at Brisbane City Hall, conducted by Alisa Jones. Workshop with Chelsea Concert Band (Melbourne) on Postcards from Big things NSW. Overture to An Endless Summer performed in New Jersey (USA), Twilight Wonderment performed by Noank Mystic Community Band (Connecticut, USA) under the baton of US Coastguard Assistant Band Director, Chief Warrant Officer Jeffrey Spenner, A Most Phantastic Journey performed by Portland Community Band (USA) conducted by Dr. Patrick Murphy. Swings & Roundabouts listed as a 2026 Brisbane MusicFest test piece, Ash Grove listed as a test piece for the ABODASA 2026 School Band and Orchestra Festival in Sections 1 and 2. A Most Phantastic Journey recorded by the Castle Hill RSL North West Wind Ensemble (Sydney) under the baton of James Brice (OAM). Appointed woodwind tutor and ensemble director at All Saints Anglican College (GC) and Trinity Lutheran College (GC). Music theatre pit musician (all woodwinds), ongoing member of Queensland Wind and Brass, Brisbane (principal oboe).
2024-2025
Music teacher, composer, conductor, freelance musician, arts advocate
Brisbane
Swings & Roundabouts premiered by Lane Cove Band's Cameraygal Wind Symphony (Sydney), conducted by Kara Williams. Aquaticus [Odyssey of the Sea Turtle] premiered by the Royal Australian Navy Band at Sydney Conservatorium's Verbrugghen Hall, conducted by LCDR Andrew Stokes. Sapphire premiered at the Queensland Education Department MOST Gala Concert at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, conducted by Dr. Rachel Howley. Elected to the ABODA Queensland Committee. Elected to Full Membership with the Australasian Performing Rights Association. Term 2 appointment (LSL cover) flute, clarinet, saxophone tutor and Jazz Ensemble director at Brisbane (Boys) Grammar School. Overture to an Endless Summer listed as advanced band test piece for the 2025 SA Band Festival, and A Most Phantastic Journey listed as an Open B Grade NSW Band Championships test piece. Awarded Australian Music Centre (AMC) Associate Represented Artist status. 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). Conducted the world premiere of A Most Phantastic Journey with Queensland Wind and Brass. Workshopped and conducted Postcards from Big Things (NSW) with South of the River Concert Band (Brisbane). 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 (NSW) at the BGGS International Women's Day Concert. Postcards From Big Things (NSW) Premiered by the Melbourne Youth Orchestra Summer School 'Cameron' Wind Ensemble, conducted by Dr. Kevin Cameron (OAM).
2019-2023
Musician, teacher, composer, conductor, adjudicator, arts advocate
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 Music Director. 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 (Sydney) under the baton of James Brice (OAM). 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
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).
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).
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.
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).