Paula Dunn Powell is a dedicated and accomplished music educator and performer. She has served as the Director of Choirs at Stivers School for the Arts for the past 15 years, where her ensembles have consistently earned superior ratings at Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) adjudicated events. Her dedication to excellence has been recognized through her selection as a sectional and rehearsal conductor for the prestigious Ohio All State Choir.
 
Her work extends beyond the school through collaborations with notable local ensembles including The Bach Society of Dayton, MUSICA, and The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, and with university music groups from the University of Dayton, Wright State University and Capital University.
 
Under her direction, the Stivers choirs have been invited to perform at esteemed events such as the Ohio Choral Directors Association (OCDA) summer conference in both 2022 and 2025. In 2023, her choirs performed at Carnegie Hall. 
 
Most recently, Ms. Powell prepared the Stivers choir students for a performance in the Dayton Opera’s production of “Aida,” further demonstrating her commitment to providing diverse and enriching musical experiences for her students. 
 
Paula is an active member of the Dayton Opera Chorus and has performed roles with the Miami Valley Symphony. Paula Dunn Powell holds degrees from Gordon College (Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance), Clarion University of PA (Music Education Licensure) and The Ohio State University (Master of Music in Vocal Pedagogy).