In this episode, we learn all about the musical journey of Dr. William Powell, a Charles W. Barkley Endowed Professor and Director of Choral Activities at Auburn University. In this role, he teaches choral-related courses, and conducts the Chamber Choir, Men's Chorus, Concert Choir, and co-conducts the Gospel Choir with his wife, Dr. Rosephanye Powell. As we walk through his journey to choir, we explore the power of building culture, setting high expectations, and yet giving grace. Then, at the end, Dr. Powell, who’s edit’s his own choral series (“The William Powell Choral Series” released by Gentry Publications) and has many choral arrangements published by Fred Bock Music, Hal Leonard, and Oxford University Press, we talk about overcoming fear in programming and defining concert spirituals versus gospel. 

Learn more about Dr. Powell: https://cla.auburn.edu/music/faculty-staff/william-powell/. 

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/q65uPoGkrk8.    

Order your copy of Dr. Burch’s book, “The Business of Choir”: https://www.giamusic.com/store/resource/the-business-of-choir-book-g10713. 

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Support the companies that make The Music (ed) Matters Podcast possible: 

—Kaleidoscope Adventures - find your adventure today, kaleidoscopeadventures.com/.  Including the June 2023 Festival and PD Weekend in Myrtle Beach with Alex & Emmy and their choirs!

— The Kinnison Choral Company - check out their quality resources - or get your tracks made today - at KinnisonChoralCo.com. 

**Show music originally written by Mr. Todd Monsell

**Show photography provided by Dr. Dan Biggerstaff