Kevin Powell is an active educator and performer in the North Phoenix area. Kevin currently teaches Kindergarten-6th grade General Music, directs a 4th-6th grade Chorus and also a thriving World Drumming ensemble at Hidden Hills Elementary School in the Paradise Valley Unified School District. Prior to his collegiate studies, he studied privately as a percussionist and added his horn studies starting in high school. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the Fred Fox School of Music at the University of Arizona, where he studied Horn under Daniel Katzen (Boston Symphony Orchestra). While in Tucson, he performed in a variety of ensembles and premiered a work for Horn and Piano entitled The Iron Lung by Michael Schelle, Composer-in-Residence at Butler University in Indiana.  

 

Back in his native Phoenix, the World Drumming ensemble under his direction, has grown to 20 members. This group performs a varied and engaging repertoire that highlights African and Caribbean drumming techniques and styles, encourages experimentation with homemade instruments (trash cans, tin cans, shakers, etc.), and provides a solid foundation for drum set and mallet skills. Furthermore, he has taught horn and percussion privately to students both here in Phoenix and while in Tucson.  

 

In addition to his work with younger learners, Kevin has also enjoyed presenting and coordinating workshops for the Arizona Kodály Teachers Society, for which he is currently serving as President. This organization serves to provide Arizona teachers with Professional Development to assist in their growth and effectiveness as music educators in the state. You can also hear him sing as a member of the Bass section in the Senior Choir at All Saints Episcopal Church.

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My goal for teaching music is to impart a passion for music upon all my students so that they become

lifelong music lovers and music makers!

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