Exclusive Interview with Pam Tillis

The rhythms of Galveston’s waves and the songs of its people lived in Dr. Frederick C. Tillis’ heart long before they ever found their way onto the page. Composer, performer, educator, and cultural bridge-builder, Dr. Tillis left behind a legacy that still sings across generations. In this first GSO blog post, we speak with his daughter, Pam Tillis, who opens a window into her father’s world — the sounds that shaped him, the values that guided him, and the music that continues to move us all.

“This piece holds a special place in the upcoming program. What does this particular work mean to you and your family?”

We are very honored to have the excellent Galveston Symphony Orchestra perform another piece by Dr. Frederick Tillis in his hometown. My father considered Ring Shout Concerto a particular favorite of his compositions, and to have the talented Quincy Davis accompanying in the role my father wrote for his friend and colleague Max Roach, makes this is very special indeed. My father also studied for a time at the University of North Texas, which is a nice connection with Mr. Davis, and I really like the idea of younger generations discovering Tillis' music.

“Do you recall any stories or moments from when your father was composing this work—what inspired him, or what was happening in his life at the time?”

I'm afraid not as a was a young child when it was composed and performed in 1973. What I do know that was happening at the time was he had been recruited to the University of Massachusetts Amherst music department in 1970 by his University of Iowa graduate school mentor Dr. Philip Bezanson. Dr. Bezanson had by then become chair of the UMass music department. Max Roach was recrutied to UMass in 1972, so I imagine my father was excited about Max being on campus and started thinking of ways they could collaborate together as Max also enjoyed musical experimentation.

“What was your father like outside of his music? Is there a story that captures his personality or spirit?”

Oh, there are many lovely stories! I'll encapsulate his personality by saying he was such a proud native son of Galveston and remained connected to the island his entire 90 years. Galveston as a place, and of course his family, were great formative influences on his creativity, nurturing his brilliant talents, fostering his love of humanity and nature, and stimulating his curiosity for exploring ideas and the world. He loved traveling, the arts, and learning about different cultures. My father was a very thoughtful, caring, compassionate artist and supportive humanitarian.

“How do you feel seeing this piece performed today? What would your father think if he could hear it now?”

I am thrilled to hear the performance because I've never heard the piece before and it's my impression that it has not been performed in over 50 years. This is an exciting moment for Frederick Tillis and for the local community to share in his artistry. I know he would be deeply touched about this celebratory tribute. A true homecoming!

 “What do you hope listeners will experience or feel when they hear this work performed live?”

I hope that they enjoy the piece and are moved by it. My father always wanted to engage the listener's emotions.

“How do you see your father’s music fitting into the wider musical landscape today? Are there particular qualities in his work that you think make it especially relevant or unique?”

I think Frederick Tillis holds a particularly unique place in the ever expanding canon of American music. His sensitivity incorporating many layers of sounds and moods was visionary and I think more and more new audiences are catching up with his approach.

“Is there a personal memory—big or small—that comes to mind when you hear this piece performed?"

As I mentioned, I have never heard it but I've always wanted to have an orchestra and drummer embrace the piece. I'm sure it will be fantastic and hope that others will appreciate it as well. Thank you all very much for your support of Dr. Frederick Tillis!