JSU mourns the loss of Willenham Castilla, director of choral activities

February 28, 2015
Willenham C. Castilla is being remembered as a exceptional choral director who brought honor and distinction to JSU.
Willenham C. Castilla is being remembered as a exceptional choral director who brought honor and distinction to JSU.
Willenham C. Castilla is being remembered as an exceptional choral director who brought honor and distinction to JSU.

Jackson State University is saddened to announce the death of longtime Director of Choral Activities, Willenham C. Castilla, who died in the early hours of  Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015.

President Carolyn W. Meyers, said, “The Jackson State University family was blessed that he shared his talents here, bringing honor and distinction to our University and exceptional commitment and love to his students.”

Department of Liberal Arts Dean Mario Azevedo said, “This is a terrible loss. He was one of the best faculty members in the School of Liberal Arts. We will feel his absence. We extend our sympathy and prayers to the family of Mr. Castilla,” who worked at JSU for more than 20 years.

According to Department of Music Chair, Alfred Duckett, Professor Castilla was stricken shortly after his conducting an outstanding performance of the JSU Choir in concert in Natchez, Mississippi.  He was rushed to the hospital where he passed surrounded by family, students, parents and other close associates.
“It is with a sense of deep sadness and great loss that we note the passing of our  friend and colleague,” Duckett added.
Dowell Taylor, director of Marching Bands, worked with Castilla for more than a decade. He said Castilla was “an outstanding choral director and a true asset to the Department of Music. He will be sorely missed.”

Also, Phyllis Hale, an instructor of music and director of opera/musical theater workshop, reflected on Castilla’s contributions. She said he was “very supportive of my endeavors. He made sure students were funded for various conferences nationally. He was instrumental in continuing the annual choral festival, including one for clinicians. He assisted choirs in the community and high schools and was a great recruiter. He gave students international exposure, even taking many to Italy.”

Castilla was the brother of Alveno Castilla, a member of the Jackson State University Development Foundation Board of Directors.

Arrangements are incomplete.