A Message from Our New Director
Aaron Powell - Musical Director
I want to start off by saying how honored I am to join Trails West as your new Musical Director; I am excited that I get to start this next chapter with you all.
As I have previously mentioned in rehearsal, I am a proud member of Central Standard, where I have served as the Tenor Section Leader since the Fall of 2019. As a Section Leader, I have had the privilege of leading sectionals, serving on the Music Team, directing rehearsals when needed, and helping singers grow both individually and as an ensemble. In addition to my work with CS, I've spent the last several years coaching choruses and quartets throughout the barbershop community. One of my greatest passions is making music accessible to every singer by breaking down complex concepts into practical, achievable skills that can be applied both in the moment and long after a coaching session ends.
After moving to Kansas in elementary school, I ultimately graduated from McLouth High School in 2007 before attending Pittsburg State University to study Vocal Education. While I ultimately chose to step away from completing my degree so I could focus on raising my family, my time at Pitt State provided invaluable training in rehearsal techniques, conducting, and music education that continues to shape my approach as a teacher and director. In 2023, I was honored to be selected as one of ten Applicant Judges for the Musicality Category of the Barbershop Harmony Society's Contest & Judging Program. Although I was not selected to move forward as a Candidate Judge for that cycle, the experience strengthened my musicianship and reinforced my passion for teaching others.
For many years I have hoped to have the opportunity to direct a chorus. Coaching quartets and choruses has shown me just how much I enjoy helping singers grow, both individually and as an ensemble, and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing someone discover that they can accomplish something they never thought possible. When the opportunity to direct Trails West came along, it felt like a natural next step. Since meeting the chorus, the role has felt familiar in the best way. The first barbershop chorus I ever joined was the Joplin TriStatesmen, a smaller chorus of seasoned singers who taught me so much about barbershop and the joy of making music together. In many ways, joining Trails West feels like coming full circle. The camaraderie, dedication, and love of singing that drew me into barbershop years ago are the same qualities I see here, and I'm excited to help build on that foundation together.
Family is at the center of my life. I'm the proud father of two wonderful children and share my home with my partner of more than four years and her daughter. Choosing my family has always been one of the most rewarding decisions I've made, and they continue to inspire me every day. Without them, I would be nowhere near the man I am today.
As I step into this role, I'm excited to get to know each of you and to continue building on the wonderful foundation that already exists within this chorus. My goal is to create rehearsals that are engaging, educational, and fun while helping every member become more confident and expressive as a singer. I believe that when we challenge ourselves, support one another, and never lose sight of the joy of singing together, incredible things can happen. More importantly, my hope is that Trails West continues to be a place of community for anyone who wants to engage with music in a meaningful way. I want us to challenge one another to become the best versions of ourselves; not just as singers and musicians, but as people. By holding each other accountable to the goals we set, encouraging one another through both successes and setbacks, and welcoming everyone who shares a love of singing, we can build something that will continue to grow and thrive long after any one of us has sung our final chord with the chorus.
I can't wait to see what we'll accomplish together.
Aaron Powell
Our previous director: Randy Schott (2016-2026)