William H. Tyers
American composer, orchestrator, conductor (1870–1924)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Early life and education
William Henry Tyers was born on March 27, 1870, in Petersburg, Virginia.[1][3] As a child he moved to New York City with his family.[3] He showed musical skills early in his life.[3] His first popular composition was called the "Bugle Call", and it made him known in New York City.[3]
He accepted the position of director of a theatrical company, which allowed him to visit nearly all the larger cities of Europe.[3] While he was in Hamburg, Germany, he studied under the composer, Gaspari.[3]
Career
Starting at age 21, he was a member of the Musical Mutual Protective Union of New York City, and one of the few African American members.[3]
After he returned to the United States, he was employed by F. A. Mills Music Publisher as pianist, arranger and proofreader of all the music published.[3] He remained at F. A. Mills for two years.[3] Followed by work at Joseph W. Stern & Co. of New York City.[3]
Tyers arranged the songs for The Policy Players, Bert Williams, and George Walker's second New York City musical.[2] Some of his work was published by Gotham-Attucks Music Publishing Company.
