Rafael Powell II is a freelance woodwind teacher, clinician, and performer based in Dallas-Fort

Worth; he joined the Midwestern State University faculty as Visiting Instructor of Single Reeds

in 2023, where he teaches applied saxophone, clarinet, woodwind methods, and improvisation.

Rafael has performed across the nation as a touring musician with various artists, including R&B

artist Sean Fresh and as the woodwind player for Chilldren of Indigo. Outside of shows, Rafael

can be heard on singles and albums from Sean Fresh, Chilldren of Indigo, Ladi, Kwestion, Dazz & Brie,

Andromeda, Big Piph, Austin Dean Ashford and more.

As a classical artist, he has performed at the NASA Region IV Conference, CMS South Central

Conference, SCI Conference, and Mana Saxophone Institute. Along with these conference

performances, Rafael has performed with the Sherman Symphony, Little Rock Wind Symphony,

Stardust Big Band, Lone Star Wind Orchestra, Rockwall Summer Musicals, and Flutopia Flute

Choir.

Beyond performing and recording, Rafael has taught woodwinds since 2010. Through the years

he has taught at various schools in Central Arkansas, East Texas, and West Texas, giving

Masterclasses, lessons, and recitals. He also serves the Dallas Symphony Orchestra as a

Woodwind Teaching Artist. As a teacher, Rafael believes in meeting students where they are,

showing them a patient path, and using music to encourage them to go beyond.

Rafael is a Doctoral Candidate at Texas Tech (ABD), where he studied with Professor David

Dees. He holds degrees from Texas A&M University – Commerce (MM) and Henderson State

University (BM). His primary teachers are Dr. Steve Becraft, Dr. Jennifer Amox, Dr. Chris Beaty,

Dr. Mary Alice Druhan, and Dr. Julee Walker.