Joining the faculty are Grace Elmer, Instructor of Guitar; Alex Davis, Instructor and Director of Recording Studies; Benjamin Pouncey, Instructor of Music and Assistant Director of Bands/Associate Director of Athletic Bands; Evan Powers, Assistant Professor and Associate Director of Choral Studies; and Craig Allen, Instructor of Musical Theatre.

Among the new hires, guitarist and educator Grace Elmer brings a dynamic blend of performance, teaching, and arts leadership. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Elmer holds both a Master of Music and a Bachelor of Music in classical guitar performance from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Her work spans classical, jazz, flamenco, and contemporary styles, as well as instruments including mandolin and banjo.

An active performer, Elmer has appeared as both a soloist and a collaborator in diverse musical settings, including interdisciplinary and world-premiere projects. Beyond performance, she has built a strong career in arts administration and community engagement, working in public relations with Rock Paper Scissors and leading initiatives that expand access to arts education. In Indiana, she helped grow the statewide Strumming Hoosiers program, providing young musicians with high-quality guitar instruction and ensemble opportunities.

“I am thrilled to join the faculty at the University of South Carolina and look forward to mentoring the next generation of musicians and arts leaders,” says Elmer.

I am thrilled to join the faculty at the University of South Carolina and look forward to mentoring the next generation of musicians and arts leaders.

— Grace Elmer, incoming Instructor of Guitar

Alex Davis, a USC alumnus, returns to campus with extensive experience in recording, production, and music technology education. A musician, recording engineer, and producer, Davis holds degrees from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and the University of South Carolina. During his time at USC, he studied and worked in recording engineering with Jeff Francis.

In 2019, he began work as Coordinator of Audio Services at East Carolina University's School of Music. The role which initially began as chief recording engineer, manager of the graduate recording team, instructor of Introduction to Music Technology, and Technical Director for the S. Rudolph Alexander Performing Arts Series (SRAPAS) expanded and evolved to include instructor of Applied Music Technology and Electronic Music Composition, Managing and Artistic Director of SRAPAS, and the creator and program coordinator of a new Music Technology Certificate at both undergraduate and graduate levels. During this time, Alex continued private work producing several studio albums, audio/video productions, and recording and streaming for festivals and live performances.

I look forward to supporting our students’ growth and contributing to a vibrant musical community.

– Ben Pouncey, incoming Instructor of Music and Assistant Director of Bands/Associate Director of Athletic Bands

As a graduate assistant at the University of South Carolina, where he will earn his Doctor of Musical Arts in wind conducting in May 2026, Benjamin “Ben” Pouncey also has an extensive knowledge of the School of Music. He currently serves as a guest conductor for the USC concert bands, assists with all aspects of the athletic band program, teaches undergraduate conducting courses, and supervises student teachers.

“I am incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Assistant Director of Bands at the University of South Carolina,” says Pouncey. “I look forward to supporting our students’ growth and contributing to a vibrant musical community.”

Pouncey has presented research at regional and national conferences and was selected as a Reynolds Conducting Institute Fellow. His conducting experience includes leading the United States Air Force Band in a world premiere performance in Washington, D.C. A Columbia native, he previously directed bands at Ashley Ridge High School and DuBose Middle School and remains active as a clinician and performer.

Evan Powers will join USC as Assistant Professor and Associate Director of Choral Studies upon completion of his Ph.D. in Music Education this summer at the University of North Texas. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Florida State University and brings over a decade of K–12 teaching experience.

Powers has earned multiple “Teacher of the Year” honors and led ensembles recognized at major conferences, including the Florida ACDA Conference. He has served as an R&R and Membership Chair for Florida ACDA and an R&R Chair for Southern Region ACDA. He also served for many years as a Varsity Vocals Producer for the ICHSA (International Competition of High School A Cappella) South Region.

Powers is an active adjudicator, presenter and choral clinician, presenting at various conferences and conducting All-County, All-District, All-State, and Tenor-Bass festivals across the country. He is also an active choral arranger, arranging pieces for secondary, collegiate, community and church choirs and a cappella groups across the country and internationally. He is passionate about service through music and was the inaugural recipient of the Orange County Public Schools Arts Community Impact Award in 2018 as well as the 2020-2021 Florida Music Education Association Exemplary Model Program Award for the “Songbird” program at Avalon Middle School. His current research interests include empathy development in music education, choirs with special populations, and professional development.

“I am beyond thrilled at the opportunity to work with and learn from the outstanding students, faculty, and staff of the USC School of Music,” says Powers. “I can’t wait to make music with the Choirs of Carolina and connect with South Carolina’s vibrant choral community.”

I can’t wait to make music with the Choirs of Carolina and connect with South Carolina’s vibrant choral community.

— Evan Powers, incoming Assistant Professor and Associate Director of Choral Studies

Craig Allen brings a unique combination of expertise in voice, dance, and choreography that will strengthen the School of Music’s growing musical theatre concentration. Launched in August 2021, the concentration has quickly gained momentum, attracting students with interests spanning classical and contemporary musical theatre, as well as pop, rock, R&B, gospel, and crossover genres.

“There is a great deal of exciting potential ahead for the musical theatre concentration, and I am honored to be stepping into this role,” says Allen. “Having worked closely with many of the students already, I’ve seen firsthand their talent, dedication, and curiosity. I’m excited to help create more opportunities for them to develop as complete artists within a supportive and rigorous environment.”

Allen holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre (with a minor in Dance) from Texas Tech University, a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Missouri–Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance, and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance from the University of South Carolina. His dance training includes extensive coursework at both institutions, as well as continued work with the Skinner Releasing Technique.

Together, these new faculty members bring a wide range of expertise in performance, technology, education, and leadership. Their arrival marks an exciting new chapter for the USC School of Music as it continues to expand opportunities for students and strengthen its role in the broader musical community.