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William Bell Memorial Scholarship Fund
Photo courtesy of
Indiana University
Archives
The William Bell Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1971 at the request of Distinguished Professor
of Music Emeritus Harvey G. Phillips. The fund honors his teacher, mentor, and predecessor, Professor William
J. Bell.
An outstanding tuba virtuoso, Professor Bell was internationally acclaimed as a performer and teacher. When
he was only 18, Bell was hand-chosen by John Philip Sousa to be principal tuba player in the renowned Sousa
Band. In 1925, Professor Bell became principal tubist of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra at the invitation of
the conductor, Fritz Reiner. In 1937, he was the third musician appointed by Arturo Toscanini to the famous NBC
Symphony Orchestra. Toscanini considered Professor Bell to be the world's greatest tubist. For many summer
seasons, he served as principal tubist with the famed Goldman Band. In 1944, he joined the New York Philharmonic
where he remained until his appointment to Indiana University in 1961 by Wilfred C. Bain, Dean of the School of
Music. Throughout his career Professor Bell was in great demand as a teacher. Prior to his appointment at
Indiana University, he maintained private teaching studios in New York City and served on the faculties of the
Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, the Juilliard School, and the Manhattan School of Music.
The William Bell Memorial Scholarship Fund provides annual scholarships to outstanding students recommended
by the IU School of Music applied tuba teacher.
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