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West Orange High School Music Director William Farley Earns Doctorate Degree in Worship Studies
WEST ORANGE, NJ – Beloved West Orange High School Music Director William Farley has received his Doctorate Degree from Liberty University in Worship Studies (Sacred Music). He received his Bachelor’s from Westminster Choir College and Master’s at Montclair State University, both in Music Education.
Dr. Farley has taught at West Orange High School for 21 years, where he has served as the Music Director for the Honors Chamber and Tenor/Bass choirs, Piano Lab Instructor, and General Music classes. Extracurricular activities include advisor and director of the Jubilee Choir (an auditioned group), and coach/advisor of the award-winning Boys Step Team.
“I wanted to become a music educator: first, because of my love for music, enhanced by my own middle and high school choir directors,” began Farley.
“Second, simply because of the "magic" music has in bringing people together; and third, I believe that the gift and knowledge of music instilled in me is to be passed down to others of similar musical talent as well as those who share the same passion for music, so that music and music-making thrives from generation to generation,” he continued.
When asked why he believes that music and the arts are so important to kids, Dr. Farley answered, “Through the years I've gathered this from the students: Music is important because the music ensemble(s) that they have participated in teach them how to work and create together, give them an appreciation for all genres of music, and create lasting friendships with their peers.”
In addition to the many students that have gone on to music education, several of Dr. Farley’s students have gone on to successful careers in music and theater, including:
- Okieriete Onaodowan, who originated the roles of Hercules Mulligan and James Madison in “Hamilton,” starred in “Grey’s Anatomy,” and currently in “Station 19.”
- Warner Miller, a stage and screen actor who got his break in “American Gangsta,” “Luke Cage,” “Boardwalk Empire,” and currently on “Manifest.”
- James Gibbs, a renowned trumpeter, music producer, bandleader, and educator.
- Gabriella Rodriguez, WOHS singer and theater star who toured in the “Color Purple” nationally in 2019-20.
- Melody Ector, now a keyboard player for the alt pop group “King Princess.”
As the pandemic begins to wind down and the hope of returning to normal grows, Farley is looking forward to working with students in person.
“I want to get back to "live" instruction as soon as we "safely" can. It's the blend and balance of "live" singing that creates harmony and camaraderie within the performing community. The students miss it and so do I,” he concluded.
Dr. William Farley
May 15, 2021