Usc school of music welcomes new associate director of choral studies
December 18, 2025
After an extensive search, the University of South Carolina School of Music announced Evan Powers as the new Associate Director of Choral Studies. He will conduct the University Chorus and Gamecock Chorale, and will supervise Secondary Choral Music Education at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Pursuing his Ph.D. in Music Education at the University of North Texas, Powers will begin his appointment in August 2026.
“I am beyond thrilled at the opportunity to work with and learn from the outstanding students, faculty and staff of the USC School of Music,” says Powers. “I can’t wait to make music with the Choirs of Carolina and to get to know South Carolina’s wonderful choral and music education communities.”
The big picture Powers holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in music education from Florida State University. He spent the first four years of his professional teaching career at Fleming Island High School in Orange Park, FL, where he was named “Teacher of the Year” for the 2012-2013 school year. For the following nine years, he served as the choral director at Avalon Middle School in Orlando, FL.
During his tenure, his advanced treble choir, Avalon Singers, was selected to perform at the 2019 Florida ACDA Conference, and he was honored as “Teacher of the Year” for the 2020-2021 school year. Additionally, Powers:
- served as an R&R and Membership Chair for Florida ACDA and an R&R Chair for Southern Region ACDA.
- served for many years as a Varsity Vocals Producer for the ICHSA (International Competition of High School A Cappella) South Region.
- is an active adjudicator, presenter and choral clinician, presenting at various conferences and conducting All-County, All-District, All-State, and Tenor-Bass festivals across the country.
- is an active choral arranger, arranging pieces for secondary, collegiate, community and church choirs and a cappella groups across the country and internationally.
- was the inaugural recipient of the Orange County Public Schools Arts Community Impact Award in 2018, as well as the 2020-2021 Florida Music Education Association Exemplary Model Program Award for the “Songbird” program at Avalon Middle School.
Powers is passionate about service through music. His current research interests include empathy development in music education, choirs with special populations, and professional development.
What they’re saying Dr. Alicia W. Walker, Director of Choral Studies at USC School of Music, says she is looking forward to working alongside Powers.
“I am so pleased to welcome Evan Powers to the School of Music faculty. He is a gifted music educator and conductor who brings a wealth of experience, tremendous energy, and a breadth of knowledge to share with our students,” says Walker. “We are fortunate to have him!”
