Gary Powell, Composer/Producer

by Gary Powell

No single person has influenced me musically more than Al Autrey. For six years at Sam Houston State University, he was my choir director, my voice teacher, my conducting teacher, my mentor and my friend. I was a pall bearer at his funeral in 1988 and I miss him dearly.

There is hardly any piece of music I’ve written that does not reflect some portion of what Al Autrey instilled in me as a conductor, composer and person. I can only hope my contribution to the whole of the musical lexicon honors him as my friend and my teacher and in some small way honors all music educators who have touched us in profound ways beyond simply reading eighth notes and quarter rests.

I will share this one piece of advice from Al Autrey’s incredible musicality.

Every musical event or moment, has both a
preparation and release. - Alvis Murray Autrey

Contained in this simple statement, every instant within a composition or performance or even a life becomes purposeful. Thank you, Alvis Murray Autrey, for the gift and depth of your musical understanding.

Filed by Gary Powell at 3:14 pm under Winning People