Our Directors
Joseph Powell
Artistic Director
Originally from Mobile, AL, Joseph Powell is a conductor and tenor from Memphis, TN. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education and a master’s degree in Choral Conducting from The University of Southern Mississippi. He is currently pursuing his DMA in Choral Conducting with a Vocal Pedagogy Cognate from The University of Memphis.
From 2014-2024, Powell served as Director of Choirs at White Station High School where he directed the Chorale, Tenor Bass Choir, Advanced Treble Chorus, and Treble Chorus. He also directed the contemporary a cappella group, DoReHe. Under his direction, the Chorale was selected to perform at the TMEA Professional Development Conference in 2015 and 2018. DoReHe was selected for exhibition performances at the A Cappella Education Association’s National A Cappella Convention in 2015, 2016, and 2017 and as a High School Championship Finalist in 2018. In 2022, Powell was a recipient of the Country Music Association Foundation’s Music Teachers of Excellence award, one of 30 educators chosen nationally. Additionally, Powell has twice been a nominee for Shelby County Schools Teacher of the Year.
Powell is also an active performer, appearing with OperaMemphis and the Memphis Symphony Chorus, where he is a rehearsal assistant. Powell has performed in opera and musical theater productions with Opera Memphis, IRIS Orchestra, The University of Southern Mississippi, and the St. Paul’s Players. Powell is also the handbell choir director and a staff singer at Calvary Episcopal Church in Memphis.
Adrian Maclin, Assistant Artistic Director
Recently engaged by Memphis ChoralArts, Adrian made his debut with MCA in the Fall of 2022. Mr. Maclin is in his ninth year as Director of Choirs at Cordova High School. As a product of Memphis City Schools, Adrian was inspired by his middle and high school choral directors to become a music educator. He is a graduate of Philander Smith College where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music with emphasis in vocal performance. Adrian works hard to not only produce outstanding performing ensembles, but he is committed to education and cultivating the total musician and student.
Elicia Garcia Curry
Children’s Chorale Director
Director of the Memphis Children’s Chorale, Elicia Garcia Curry, is the Director of the Choirs at Collegiate School of Memphis as well as Minister of Music at First Congregational Church. Elicia comes to MCA from Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church’s Creative and Worship Arts Department where she served as the Children’s Choir Director for six years.
Elicia served as a member of the Memphis City Schools Teacher Field Test Group and Development Team, which developed the pilot evaluation method for Tennessee music teachers in 2012. She was also a Peer Evaluator of this new evaluation method. Elicia served as the West TN Vocal Music Educators Association Junior High Honor Choir Chair from 2016-2018. During her tenure at Mississippi Boulevard, she was invited to serve as the Children’s Choir Clinician and Director for the 2019 Disciples of Christ National Convention in Des Moines, IA. She currently serves on the Shelby County Schools Fine Arts Leadership Council and is the Lead Middle School Choral Director for the district. Elicia facilitates SCS district level professional development sessions and serves as a mentor to new choral directors across the district. She also serves as a cooperating teacher for the University of Memphis Teacher Education Program. Elicia holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Memphis and a Master of Music in Music Education from Kent State University. She is an active member of the West Tennessee Vocal Music Educators Association, the National Association for Music Education and the American Choral Directors Association.
Jordan Smith
Youth Chorale Director
Jordan Smith, a classically and gospel-trained musician, conductor and educator, serves as the Director of Choirs at The Soulsville Charter School in Memphis, Tennessee. Jordan brings their proven experience and insight to their recently appointed positions as Director of the Memphis Youth Chorale & Fellowship United Missionary Baptist Church Music Ministry.
With a Bachelor of Music Education (BME) degree with honors from the University of Memphis, Jordan's leadership has consistently guided ensembles to success in regional competitions. Consistently achieving superior ratings at assessments and adjudications, Jordan emphasizes clarity in vocal expression and nuanced musical ideas within the vocal ensemble.
A proud member of the National Education Association (NEA), the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), and an Alumni Member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America (ΦΜΑ), Jordan's commitment to music education extends beyond their roles. Jordan spends inspiring young musicians at nonprofit and university summer music programs, leaving a positive impact on young choral musicians from Tennessee to Michigan.
