A Jubilee: An interview with Washington Performing Arts' Michele Fowlin

Across the Arts with Patrick D. McCoy

ABOUT THE JUNE 2 AT THE MUSIC CENTER AT STRATHMORE CONCERT: CLICK HERE ABOUT MICHELE: Michele Fowlin serves as music director of the Washington Performing Arts Society’s Children of the Gospel Choir. She attended Howard University and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree in vocal performance/pedagogy with a piano minor. While at Howard, she studied with renowned opera singers Regina McConnell, Carmen Balthrop, and Charlotte Holloman. Under the tutelage of Dr. James Weldon Norris, she was introduced to conducting. Fowlin eventually became assistant to the conductor for the University Choirs. Upon traveling with the choir nationally and internationally, Fowlin conducted many concerts and eventually became one of the lead soloists. These opportunities led her to performances in Russia, England, Spain, and the US Virgin Islands. After Howard, Fowlin continued her vocal career while expanding her skills as a music teacher in the public school system. Her desire to motivate students musically has extended from the classroom into the community. Fowlin has worked with the Washington Performing Arts Society’s Children of the Gospel Summer Music Camp, for the past several years as a vocal coach and director and has conducted various church youth choirs in the area. She continues to hold clinics for vocal health and wellness, voice and piano master classes, and guest directorships for gospel music workshops. Fowlin has been recognized with various awards including the Mayor’s Award (Washington, DC) and Certificate of Recognition from the DC Commission on the Arts. Currently, Fowlin is the director of choirs at Eleanor Roosevelt High School and the co-founder of HerSanctuary™.