Dripping Springs, Texas, September 22, 2025
News Summary
Jessica Gilliam-Valls, a respected music educator and skilled double bassist, has died unexpectedly, leaving behind a legacy of musical excellence and education. Known for her contributions to both performance and teaching, she inspired many students and musicians throughout her career. Gilliam-Valls was celebrated for her diverse musical performances and commitment to nurturing talent in the music community, making her sudden loss profoundly felt among peers and students alike.
Dripping Springs, Texas
Jessica Gilliam-Valls, a noted music educator and double bassist, tragically passed away on September 11, 2025, at the age of 55. Her lifeless body was found at her home after she failed to report for her teaching duties at Dripping Springs Independent School District in Texas.
Gilliam-Valls was an accomplished musician, having graduated from the prestigious Oberlin Conservatory and earning a master’s degree in double bass performance from the Manhattan School of Music. She further advanced her education with a doctorate in musical arts from the University of Texas at Austin.
Her remarkable career included performances with both the Austin Symphony and San Antonio Symphony. Gilliam-Valls also served as the principal bassist for the Orquestra da Rádio e Televisão Cultura in São Paulo, Brazil, showcasing her extensive experience in diverse musical settings. She performed across various genres, including chamber music, jazz, tango, and bluegrass, contributing to studio recordings, film soundtracks, and television jingles.
Beyond her performance work, Gilliam-Valls was dedicated to education and held teaching positions at Southwestern University, Huston-Tillotson University, and The Girls’ School of Austin. She was a highly regarded guest artist and clinician at prestigious events such as the North Texas Bass Camps and the Victoria Bach Festival. Her expertise was recognized by peers, and she held a position on the board of directors for the International Society of Bassists (ISB), where her engaging presentations and adjudications at ISB conventions left a lasting impact.
The ISB honored Gilliam-Valls in a statement, referring to her as a “ray of sunshine”, acknowledging her role as an inspiration to many as a teacher, player, colleague, and friend.
Jessica Gilliam-Valls is survived by her three children and a grandson, all of whom she cherished deeply. Her sudden passing has left a profound void in the music community and in the hearts of those who knew and admired her.
Background of Jessica Gilliam-Valls
Throughout her illustrious career, Gilliam-Valls not only broke barriers as a female artist in the field of classical music but also inspired countless students and fellow musicians. Her commitment to fostering musical talent and her influence as an educator will be remembered as pivotal in the landscape of music education.
Her wide-ranging performances across multiple genres not only showcased her versatility as a musician but also her willingness to bridge different styles of music. Gilliam-Valls’ contributions to the orchestras she played for, alongside her work in academia and the ISB, demonstrate her commitment to the art of music both as a performer and as an educator.
FAQs
Who was Jessica Gilliam-Valls?
Jessica Gilliam-Valls was a notable music educator and double bassist who passed away on September 11, 2025, at the age of 55.
What was her educational background?
She graduated from the Oberlin Conservatory, held a master’s degree in double bass performance from the Manhattan School of Music, and earned a doctorate in musical arts from the University of Texas at Austin.
What were her contributions to music?
Gilliam-Valls played professionally with the Austin and San Antonio symphonies, served as principal bassist for the Orquestra da Rádio e Televisão Cultura in São Paulo, Brazil, and had diverse playing experiences in chamber ensembles, jazz, tango, bluegrass bands, and studio recordings.
Where did she teach?
She was affiliated with Southwestern University, Huston-Tillotson University, and The Girls’ School of Austin as an educator.
What legacy did she leave behind?
She was known for her inspiring role as a teacher and player, having served on the board of directors for the International Society of Bassists and recognized for her engaging presentations at ISB conventions.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Jessica Gilliam-Valls |
| Age at Passing | 55 |
| Date of Passing | September 11, 2025 |
| Educational Institutions | Oberlin Conservatory, Manhattan School of Music, University of Texas at Austin |
| Notable Performances | Austin Symphony, San Antonio Symphony, Orquestra da Rádio e Televisão Cultura |
| Genres Played | Chamber, jazz, tango, bluegrass |
| Teaching Institutions | Southwestern University, Huston-Tillotson University, The Girls’ School of Austin |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- The Strad: Double Bassist Jessica Gilliam-Valls Has Died
- Wikipedia: Jessica Gilliam-Valls
- Dignity Memorial: Jessica Gilliam-Valls
- Google Search: Jessica Gilliam-Valls
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jessica Gilliam-Valls
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