Brandon Felder Leads University Concert Choir With Passion and Purpose

Renowned Conductor Aims to Elevate the Ensemble to New Heights

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Elijah Taylor, TAYLORE0529@students.bowiestate.edu

(BOWIE, Md.) — Brandon Felder, assistant professor of music and director of the University Concert Choir at Bowie State University, is on a mission to inspire, innovate and elevate. With an unwavering commitment to musical excellence, Felder is shaping the next generation of vocalists while expanding the choir’s artistic reach.

Felder’s love for music began at just six years old, and by 13, he knew it was his life’s calling. While his immediate family was not musically inclined, they instilled in him a relentless work ethic and a commitment to excellence, supporting his private music lessons for over a decade.

“My family helped to nurture my music by continuing my private music lessons for over 10 years, and I am so grateful,” Felder said. He primarily plays the piano, keyboard, and organ, though he also explores the guitar.

A graduate of Howard University with a degree in music education, Felder went on to earn a master’s degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, where his thesis was published. Before joining Bowie State’s Department of Fine and Performing Arts, he spent 15 years teaching music in Prince George’s County Public Schools and leading choral programs in private academies. His influence extended beyond the classroom, serving as a governor on the GRAMMY Recording Academy Washington, D.C., Chapter Board and as choral director at Georgetown University—a position he once believed he would never leave.

“I was happy at Georgetown,” Felder said. “However, after receiving a call from the Department of Fine and Performing Arts Chair Professor Tewodross Williams, I reconsidered and applied for a faculty position. It has been one of the best decisions of my life.”

Since joining Bowie State, Felder has been committed to expanding artistic programming, forging new partnerships, and creating meaningful opportunities for students to hone their craft. He views music as both transformative art and a bridge that connects communities.

“These new roads and new bridges can only be built by those who comprise humanity,” he said. “It is harder to build than to destroy. To build is to participate and change. In jazz we call these progressing harmonies changes. Changes are like obstacles on a speed course. They demand our attention and require us to be present.”

Under his leadership, the University Concert Choir continues to reach new heights, collaborating with renowned artists and delivering high-caliber performances that resonate beyond campus. Felder’s vision is not just about music—it’s about cultivating a culture of excellence, resilience and artistic bravery.

“Working at Bowie State has been one of the highlights of my personal and professional career,” said Felder. “Our students are courageous, curious and passionate. This is a family like none other.”

With his dedication and vision, Felder is not just conducting music—he’s orchestrating a legacy.

The University Concert Choir under Felder’s direction will be performing this Friday with the U.S. Naval Academy’s Gospel Choir, in February with the Prince George’s County Philharmonic Orchestra and in March with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.