Shayla Powell

Shayla Hottinger Powell established the Descant Choir for beginning singers in the Ann Arbor Youth Chorale in 1992. Ms. Powell is Choral Director for grades 6-12 for the Milan area schools. Her students participate in and consistently earn top ratings for performances at the Michigan School Vocal Music Association Solo, Ensemble, and Choral Festivals and are regularly selected to participate in MSVMA State Honor Choirs. Many of Ms. Powell’s former students now work as composers, teachers, performers and music business professionals.

Since 1989 Ms. Powell has taught classes and conducted the choirs for at the University of Michigan-Flint Junior Academy of Music. Ms. Powell was nominated by her colleagues at Barnes Elementary School for the Newsweek-WDIV-TV Outstanding Teacher Award. She is an active conductor, singer and pianist, often performing with her husband, Gregg, a professional bassist. Ms. Powell holds a BME from the University of Michigan-Flint and has completed coursework for the Master's Degree in Choral Music Education at Eastern Michigan University.