Background
Pursell, William Whitney was born on June 9, 1926 in Oakland, California, United States. Son of Arthur Lewis and Delia Martha (Peterson) Pursell.
Pursell, William Whitney was born on June 9, 1926 in Oakland, California, United States. Son of Arthur Lewis and Delia Martha (Peterson) Pursell.
Private studies with Elizabeth Simpson, Herman Trutner, Eastman School Museum, San Francisco, 1944. Private study, Howard Hanson, Bernard Rogers. Student, Peabody Conservatory Music, Baltimore, 1946.
Bachelor of Music in Composition, University Rochester. Master of Music in Composition, University Rochester. DMA in Composition, University Rochester.
Served with United States Air Force, 1946-1949. Fellow Elizabethan Society. Member National Association Recording Arts Sciences (board governors), American Federation Musicians (executive board), Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia (Alpha Nu chapter), Pi Kappa Lambda (Epsilon Eta chapter) Clubs: Savage (London), Bohemian (San Francisco).
Married Julia Ellen Crow: children: Ellen, Margaret, Laura, William Junior, Arthur, Sharon.