Dripping Springs, Texas, September 18, 2025
News Summary
Jessica Gilliam-Valls, a renowned double bassist and music educator, passed away at the age of 55. She was the director of orchestras at Dripping Springs Independent School District and greatly impacted her students and the music community. Gilliam-Valls earned advanced degrees from prestigious institutions and performed with major orchestras while contributing to various music genres. Her legacy includes a commitment to education and outreach in the arts, making her a beloved figure among colleagues and students.
Dripping Springs, Texas – Jessica Gilliam-Valls, a celebrated double bassist and esteemed music educator, passed away at the age of 55. Her death was announced on September 11, 2025, after she did not report to her teaching duties at the Dripping Springs Independent School District.
Gilliam-Valls was the director of orchestras at the Dripping Springs Independent School District, where she had dedicated years to nurturing young musicians. She was a highly respected figure in the music community, known for her extensive background in professional performance and education.
She graduated from the Oberlin Conservatory before completing her master’s degree at the Manhattan School of Music. In addition to her impressive educational credentials, she earned a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Texas at Austin. This academic foundation underpinned her successful music career, both as a performer and instructor.
As a performer, Gilliam-Valls participated actively with the Austin Symphony Orchestra and the San Antonio Symphony. Her international experience included serving as the principal bassist for the Orquestra da Rádio e Televisão Cultura in São Paulo, Brazil. Her performance career extended beyond orchestras; she collaborated with chamber ensembles and was involved in genres like jazz, tango, and bluegrass. Additionally, she contributed to various studio recordings and performed on numerous film soundtracks and television jingles.
Beyond her performance career, Gilliam-Valls was committed to education. She taught at Southwestern University and Huston-Tillotson University, influencing countless students in the art of music. Additionally, she held a position on the faculty at The Girls’ School of Austin and served as a guest artist and clinician at various music camps and festivals.
Gilliam-Valls also contributed to the broader music community by being a member of the board of directors for the International Society of Bassists (ISB). In this role, she was a significant presence at ISB conventions, where she acted as a presenter, adjudicator, and recitalist, fostering growth and appreciation for the double bass.
In recognition of her impactful contributions to music education and performance, the ISB released a statement honoring her legacy. They described her as “a ray of sunshine” and highlighted her inspirational role in the lives of many.
Jessica Gilliam-Valls is survived by her three children and a grandson, all of whom she cherished deeply. Her passing is a significant loss to the music community, where her influence will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
FAQ
- Who was Jessica Gilliam-Valls?
- Jessica Gilliam-Valls was a double bassist and educator who passed away at the age of 55.
- What was her role at Dripping Springs Independent School District?
- She served as the director of orchestras at Dripping Springs Independent School District in Texas.
- Where did she receive her music education?
- She graduated from the Oberlin Conservatory, obtained her master’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music, and earned a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Texas at Austin.
- What orchestras did she perform with?
- She performed regularly with the Austin Symphony Orchestra and San Antonio Symphony.
- Did she have experience in other musical genres?
- Yes, she performed with chamber ensembles, jazz, tango, and bluegrass bands.
- Was she involved in music education outside of the Dripping Springs Independent School District?
- Yes, she taught at Southwestern University and Huston-Tillotson University and was on the faculty at The Girls’ School of Austin.
- What contributions did she make to the International Society of Bassists?
- She served on the board of directors and was a presenter, adjudicator, and recitalist at ISB conventions.
- How did the ISB honor her memory?
- The ISB released a statement honoring her contributions, describing her as “a ray of sunshine” and an inspiration to many.
- Who are her survivors?
- She is survived by three children and a grandson, whom she cherished.
Key Features of Jessica Gilliam-Valls
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Age at Passing | 55 |
| Education | Oberlin Conservatory, Manhattan School of Music, University of Texas at Austin |
| Position | Director of Orchestras at Dripping Springs Independent School District |
| Performances | Austin Symphony Orchestra, San Antonio Symphony, and more |
| Genres | Classical, Jazz, Tango, Bluegrass |
| Education Roles | Southwestern University, Huston-Tillotson University, The Girls’ School of Austin |
| ISB Role | Board of Directors, Presenter, Adjudicator, Recitalist |
| Survivors | Three children and one grandson |
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Additional Resources
- The Strad: Double Bassist Jessica Gilliam-Valls Has Died
- Wikipedia: Double Bass
- Dignity Memorial: Jessica Gilliam-Valls
- Google Search: Jessica Gilliam-Valls
- The Violin Channel: Jessica Gilliam-Valls Has Died
- Google Scholar: Jessica Gilliam-Valls
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Double Bass
- Google News: Jessica Gilliam-Valls
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