Last Updated:

03/08/2011 

About Our Directors

Mr. Robert V. Powell, Director of Bands, Northwest Middle School

Artistic Director and Conductor, Upstate Winds

The 2010-2011 academic year marks Mr. Powell's sixth year at Northwest Middle School.  In that time, the band program has garnered praise for its musicianship, character, and discipline.  The Northwest Middle School Bands under Mr. Powell's direction have received "Superior" ratings at the South Carolina State Concert Festival, performed as a featured ensemble at Walt Disney World, received Gold Awards at National Music Festivals in New York and Dallas, and received the Outstanding Performance Award from the South Carolina Band Directors Association.  In addition to these successes, individuals from the band make their own musical achievements through participation in All County, All Region, and All State Honor Bands, Solo and Ensemble Festivals, and performing ensembles outside the Northwest Bands.

In September 2010, Mr. Powell was appointed as the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Upstate Winds.  This community band draws musicians from many different parts of Upstate South Carolina, providing a performance outlet for both amateurs and professionals.  In a short time, the Upstate Winds organization has grown in size, scope, and visibility. 

As an active freelance trombonist, he performs in concert halls, churches, and other performance venues.  He performs as a member of the Palmetto Concert Band, the Palmetto Posaunen, and numerous other orchestras and chamber ensembles.  Performance opportunities have taken Mr. Powell to many places including the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, the American Bandmasters Association Convention, the Music Educators Association Conventions of South Carolina and North Carolina, the Spoleto Festival, the International Trombone Festival, and the Eastern Trombone Workshop. 

As a teacher and conductor, Mr. Powell serves as a guest clinician and adjudicator for bands.  He has been recognized as a “Teacher of the Year” on two occasions and has appeared on the nation wide list of “50 Directors Who Make a Difference” published by School Band and Orchestra Magazine.

Current professional affiliations include the National Band Association, the Music Educators National Conference, the South Carolina Band Directors Association, the South Carolina Music Educators Association, and Phi Mu Alpha.

Mr. Lee Scott, Co-Teacher, Furman University

Lee Scott is a native of Laurens, South Carolina. He is currently a senior music education major at Furman University where he can be heard performing on tuba and euphonium. When not participating in band activities, Mr. Scott is fulfilling his duties as the president of the Furman University Gospel Ensemble and indulging in his passion for food.

Mr. Carl Wylie, Director of Bands, Travelers Rest High School

Carl Wylie is originally from Camden, South Carolina, and a graduate of Camden High School.  After High School, he attended the University of South Carolina briefly before joining the United States Army, where he served for 7 years as a performing musician throughout the Southeast United States and across Western Europe.  After leaving the Army, he returned to the University of South Carolina where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Music Education and Performance on French Horn. 

Upon graduating from USC, he accepted a position as Director of Bands at Buford Middle School and Buford High School in Lancaster, SC.  He worked there for four years before accepting a position as Director of Bands at Camden High School.  After four years in Camden, Mr. Wylie accepted his current position as Director of Bands at Travelers Rest High School. 

Mr. Wylie plays French Horn professionally, and is a charter member of the Palmetto Concert Band from Columbia, SC.  His professional affiliations include MENC, SCMEA, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.  Mr. Wylie lives in Greenville with his wife, Kim.  He is the son of Pat and Nancy Wylie.