A REMARKABLE IMPRINT: An undeniable musical force in the Greater Washington area, the dynamic Michele Fowlin leaves a legacy of excellence as she takes her final bow as Artistic Director of WPA Children of the Gospel with a total of twenty years with the organization
by Patrick D. McCoy
Michele Fowlin is no stranger for her gifts to bring out the very best in young musicians. That was the case during her 28-year career an educator and that spirit of excellence marks her 20-year history with the Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel, with the remaining ten years as Artistic Director. Her final 2026-27 season marks a milestone moment in the history of the organization’s 33-year-old gospel music program. Following her final season, Fowlin will continue her relationship with Washington Performing Arts in an emeritus capacity, supporting the program through select projects and special initiatives. Over two decades, Fowlin has mentored generations of young singers from across the Washington, D.C., region, guiding students not only toward musical excellence but through some of the most formative moments of their lives. Under her artistic leadership and with significant investment from Washington Performing Arts and its community, COTG has continued its founding promise of free vocal training for young people, performing on stages ranging from Washington National Cathedral to The White House, and reaching national audiences through appearances on NPR and NBC’s Today Show. Singers, families, alumni, colleagues, and audiences alike cherish Fowlin, and she leaves a lasting mark on the program: a culture of excellence, belonging and joy rooted in the transformative power of the uniquely
American art form of gospel music.
Fowlin shared about the imprint molding the ensemble over the last twenty years. “For 20 years, this choir has been one of the greatest joys of my life. I have watched children grow into incredible young adults and witnessed how the power of gospel music has transformed lives, strengthened community, and created space for young people to discover both their voices and themselves. Good leadership is not only about building something meaningful; it is also about recognizing when it is time to entrust it to someone else. I have every confidence that this legacy will continue for generations to come.” she reflected.
High praise for Fowlin’s contributions resound forth, especially from the organization’s leadership. WPA President and CEO Jenny Bilfield echoed sentiments that spoke to the development and excellence of the renowned choir. “As leader of our Children of the Gospel Choir, Michele has deeply enriched a treasured legacy ensemble and program at the intersection of artistry, faith, community, and youth empowerment. At every turn, she has brought incredible skill, heart, vision, and outstanding musical leadership—helping young singers find their confidence, trust in their own voice, and stretch to new heights. Washington Performing Arts is deeply grateful for Michele’s contribution to this legacy. COTG is positioned to move forward in strength as a destination for young singers and audiences in our region.” Bilfield shared. She went on to further state that the organization is delighted that Fowlin’s artistry and mentorship will continue in her new role as Artistic Director Emerita.
An alumnus of the choir himself, David G. Powell currently serves as Director of Washington Performing Arts Gospel Music Programs and can attest to the many contributions of Fowlin to the program.
“Having experienced this choir first as a member, then as an alum, staff member, and now Director, I have had the unique privilege over the years of seeing firsthand and the indelible imprint of our Artistic Director. She has inspired me as a musician and leader, challenged this choir to believe in what is possible, and elevated the advocacy and storytelling of what young people can do. Her legacy is not simply measured in concerts or accomplishments, but in the generations of ‘lamb kings and queens’ she has inspired and the higher standard she has set for all of us who follow. I am deeply grateful to her and celebrate this milestone and her next step forward.” he stated.
Michele Fowlin has cultivated her love and passion for music from a young age. Fowlin was accepted into the Juilliard School’s precollege program for aspiring young musicians as a piano student. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Vocal Performance/ Pedagogy with a minor in piano from Howard University, where she studied with renowned opera singers Regina McConnell, Carmen Balthrop, and Charlotte Holloman. Under the tutelage of the late Dr. James Weldon Norris, as Assistant to the Conductor for the University Choirs, she traveled nationally and internationally with the University choir, featured as conductor and lead soloist. She has performed for Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, former President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let Girls Learn campaign, former Vice Presidents Joe Biden and Al Gore, former Secretary of Defense William Cohen, Ambassador Sasae of Japan, and numerous others. Fowlin is the founder of the Arts/Culture podcast, The Muses Behind the Music, and currently serves as the Associate Director of Contemporary Music at Washington National Cathedral.
There is no slowing down for Fowlin any time soon. Even though this aspect of her musical portfolio has shifted, her presence will still be felt on the tapestry of DC’s music scene as a soloist, clinician, worship leader and mentor in the performing arts sphere.
A native of Petersburg, VA, Patrick holds a BM in Vocal Performance from Virginia State University and a MM in Church Music from Shenandoah Conservatory. Formerly the Performing Arts Columnist for Washington Life Magazine, he currently is a freelance writer, publishing articles for several noted publications and organizations, including The Washington Post, Early Music America, Classical Music Voice North America, The Afro-American Newspaper, Prince George’s Suite Magazine, CBS Washington, Examiner.com and Washington Classical Review. He holds membership in the Music Critics Association of North America, National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc., American Choral Directors’ Association, Association of Anglican Musicians, a former member of the Shenandoah University Alumni Board of Directors, a member of the Shenandoah University Black Alumni Network, a Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and a member of the Sigma Zeta Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America. As an alumnus of Shenandoah, he was named to the Dean’s Circle of the Shenandoah Conservatory Advisory Board. He enters his 10th year as Organist/Choirmaster at Saint John’s Episcopal Church, Zion Parish in Beltsville, MD. Patrick is the host of “Across the Arts” both a live and virtual media platform covering the performing arts. Visit http://patrickdmccoy.com and follow him on Facebook and Twitter @PatrickDMcCoy, IG: PDM06. and subscribe to “Across the Arts” on YouTube.