Remembering Longtime SPHS Band Director R. Thomas Powell

For nearly 50 years from 1967 to 2014, Richard “Dick” Thomas Powell was a mainstay at Severna Park High School, where he mentored several generations of students as the school’s band director. He taught teens about music, but he also taught them life lessons.

The 79-year-old Linthicum resident died last Thursday.

He told the Voice in 2015 that he had one favorite memory from his time as band director, and it was the entire time he was at the school.

“There was not a time I didn't enjoy,” he said. “The school. The kids. The staff. The people I worked with. Making music on a daily basis. All of it. All the time I spent at that school was a complete joy. I loved my job. I loved everything about it, and especially working with kids to make music.”

While student teaching at South Hagerstown High School, Powell realized that he wanted to build a music program for high school students. That is exactly what he did in Severna Park after he graduated from Frostburg State University in 1967.

As his obituary states, “Along the way, he met so many wonderful students, parents and colleagues who became lifelong friends. He truly loved each and every one of them. They all enriched his life, and he cherished those friendships. His final wish was to return home to Frostburg and be reunited with his parents.”

After Powell’s retirement, several former students and colleagues shared their memories. Dawn Roberson, a three-year band member from the class of 1983, said Powell had an “immeasurable impact on my life.”

“As a musician, my knowledge and understanding of music grew by leaps and bounds,” she said. “He encouraged me to try different instruments and to push myself to achieve much more than I believed I could. As a person, he taught me invaluable lessons about discipline, loyalty and commitment.”

Powell is survived by his wife, Joan Lee-Powell; two brothers-in-law; his nieces; great-nieces and great-nephew.

His family and friends will celebrate his life and receive visitors at Singleton Funeral & Cremation Services, P.A., in Glen Burnie on December 14 from 4:00pm-7:00pm. A private funeral service will be held in Frostburg.