Mr. Powelson has spent the last eleven of his thirty year career at Cockrill Middle School. He is a graduate of the University of Washington School of Music with degrees in Music and Music Education.

Mr. Powelson taught K-12 orchestra in Issaquah, Washington, Mesa, Arizona, and Winston-Salem North Carolina before moving to Texas. His high school orchestra in Mesa performed in the 2005 ASTA National Orchestra Festival, and he was the 2014 teacher of the year for his school in Winston-Salem. Since coming to Cockrill in 2015 Mr. Powelson continues to challenge students with high standards while having fun and instilling a life-long love of music.

He is a member of several Texas music associations, including TMEA, TODA, and TMAA.

Ms. Taft is entering her fourth year of teaching and her third year as the Assistant Orchestra Director at Cockrill Middle School.

Ms. Taft earned two bachelor’s degrees in Music Education and Cello Performance from the University of North Texas. In addition to teaching orchestra classes, she started the Cockrill Bass Club, where Cockrill Middle School and MISD High School bass students can come together to rehearse, collaborate, and perform music. 

Ms. Taft enjoys working alongside Mr. Powelson, and together they teach several orchestras and beginner classes totaling around 200 students. They are continuing to grow the Cockrill Middle School orchestra program while strengthening opportunities for student musicians.