Joseph Powell is a Brigham Young University–Hawaii alumnus originally from Tempe, Arizona, now residing in Moanalua Mauka. He graduated in December 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and minors in Political Science, Education, and TESOL. Today, he's putting that education to work shaping the next generation of musicians.
How Did BYUH Shape Who You Are Today?
Before coming to BYU–Hawaii, I had no clear direction on what and where I was going in life. However, the people I met and professors I studied under helped me shape a future for myself that not only fit my unique talents best, but also one I would be happy with. The music program here, most importantly, helped shape me into a performer and an extrovert when needed.
What Are You Doing Now Professionally?
I am currently teaching band and ukulele at Nānākuli High and Intermediate School, and starting up my own choir program as well in the next school year.
How Did Your BYUH Education Help Prepare You for Your Career?
The BYUH Education Department, TESOL Department, and Music Department all helped prepare me with the fundamentals of being a teacher, including making lesson plans, building rapport with students, and altering my lessons and teaching style to the unique needs of students. The combination of all three departments and professors each played a valuable role in shaping my teaching.
What's an Achievement You're Especially Proud Of?
In my last year, I was able to accomplish two senior recitals:
The first one was spring of 2024, to complete the requirements as a general music major. In my first recital, I sang Filipino art songs, performed the very daunting Sonata for Horn and Piano by Paul Hindemith, and, with the work of the community, was able to put together a community choir that gathered weekly to rehearse and perform a series of hymns and mele from across the Pacific and Asia Rim, highlighting the history of the Church across the Laie community and reflecting the testimonies of the choir members. This was a huge project to put together, and very impactful and spirit driven.
My second recital was for me specifically, where I wanted to get creative and compose and perform a whole set of my own music for a smaller audience, which I hosted just hours after walking the stage in the CAC, graduating December of 2024. With my family around, all prominent musicians themselves, my dad, a pianist, my mom, a fellow French horn player, and my sister, a cellist, I wrote music for all of us to perform in various solos and as groups/duets. It was an ambitious project to piece together in less than three months, but my mind was unable to stop composing as my time at BYUH was finishing up. I was in a creative mood, unwilling to settle for less. The support of Dr. Bradshaw and Dr. Glenn at the time helped push me to become the best.
What Advice Would You Give to Current BYUH Students?
Join the music ensembles like Seasider Singers or Shaka Steel, or take a theater class! These are programs for everyone, and they will help you out in your other fields of study more than you would expect. It definitely helped shape my work as a TESOL and Political Science minor, which in the end supported me in producing quality work in my other classes. They helped shape me to be a good human, to communicate, regulate feelings and emotions during stressful times, and more.
What's Something People Would Be Surprised to Know About You?
Everyone always made a huge deal about Elder Groberg (Kolipoki) coming to campus for a devotional, but many people didn't make the connection that he is my grandpa until later on, when I joined him and my uncle for the day at the PCC. It's not something I often advertise, because to others, while often an idol to many, especially in the Church and on campus, to me, he's just my grandpa, one I love and adore so much.
