2024 Reynolds Conducting Institute Fellow

Meet Blake Fowler

Blake Fowler is pursuing a M.M. in Band Conducting at the University of South Carolina, where he serves as a graduate assistant. Prior to starting at USC, Blake was the Director of Bands at Chapin High School, and was responsible for conducting the Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Percussion Ensemble; as well as directing the "Pride of the Midlands" Marching Band and the Chapin High School Jazz Band. Prior to his appointment at CHS, he was the associate band director at North Augusta High School. Under Blake’s direction, the Chapin High School Symphonic Band was invited to perform at the 2022 South Carolina Music Educators Association and the 2022 Music for All Southeastern Regional Concert Festival as a featured performing ensemble. Bands under Blake’s direction consistently scored Superior ratings at festival events, and received accolades for diverse and exciting programming. In 2022 the “Pride of the Midlands” Marching Band was crowned the 4A SCBDA Lower State Champion. In 2021 the CHS Symphonic Band gave the world premiere of “Dream” by Kyle W. Brown.    Blake views student leadership as a cornerstone of the modern day band program and teaches students to become servant-based leaders. Blake graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Music Education and a Performance Certificate in 2015. He is currently a member of the Palmetto Concert Band, a semi-professional band comprised of local musicians and band directors from across the state.    With a firm belief that continuing education is the cornerstone of being a fresh and exciting conductor, Blake has attended many band directing and conducting symposia throughout the Nation. His professional affiliations include the SCMEA, SCBDA, and the National Band Association. Outside of teaching Blake enjoys cooking, video games, reading, spending time with his partner Aaron, and his dog Bela “Bark”tok.