For Breanna Clark, a recent music education graduate from Faulkner University, the path to becoming a future band director has been shaped by leadership, performance and a deep sense of faith.
Clark, who graduated May 1, completed her teacher preparation courses through Faulkner’s music education program after four years of involvement across nearly every ensemble the department offers. She participated in marching band, concert band, jazz band, chorus and the select Faulkner Singers. A trumpet player, she also performed vocally as both a soprano and alto.
Originally from Munford, Alabama, a small town near Cheaha Mountain, Clark had not originally planned to attend Faulkner. Like many of her high school classmates, she initially expected to enroll at a state school. That changed during her senior year of high school when the Faulkner Marching Eagles performed at a competition her band attended.
After the performance, director of bands at the time, Stephen Foster, approached Clark and encouraged her to consider Faulkner’s music program. That moment led to a visit to campus for Scholars Day, where she met faculty member Art Williams.
“We talked for hours about music, faith and life,” Clark said. “I realized Faulkner was different. They cared about me as a person and as a soul.”
That experience solidified her decision, and she has called Faulkner home ever since.
During her time at Faulkner, Clark served as drum major for the Marching Eagles during the 2025-26 season, was an alto section leader and later president of the chorus and helped lead Faulkner’s chapter of the Collegiate National Association for Music Education. She also performed her senior trumpet recital and presented that work at the Alabama Music Educators Association professional development conference. For the past three years, she performed as a Jamboree hostess and one year as a soloist for the Annual Benefit Dinner.
Clark has also been active in service and outreach. One of her favorite experiences was organizing an “instrument petting zoo” for local elementary students, where Faulkner musicians demonstrated their instruments and introduced young children to music.
“It was a lot of work, but seeing their faces light up made it worth it,” she said.
Her most meaningful moment, however, came outside the performance hall. In 2023, Clark was baptized, surrounded by members of the music department.
“I’m so grateful to have been at a place that invested not just in my education, but in my faith,” she said encouraging future students to consider Faulkner’s music department. “It’s a family,” Clark said. “You grow as a musician, as a person and in your faith. There’s a place for everyone.”
After graduation, Clark began her career as director of bands at Highland Home School in Crenshaw County, a position she described as her dream job.
“When I am performing, whether it be on my trumpet or with my voice, I feel closer to heaven than I ever thought I’d feel on earth,” she said. “It is a gift from God and I can’t wait to share this gift with my future students as a band director.”
Rebecca Potter, a 2018 graduate of Faulkner University, turned her passion for music into a growing band program and a career she credits to the strong foundation she found as a student.
Potter made history as Faulkner’s first music education graduate, earning her degree in December 2018. Though she initially planned to attend another university, her path changed after attending a Christian Youth Conference and later participating in Faulkner’s Band Day during her senior year of high school.
“I fell in love with every moment of that day,” Potter said. “The environment, the people and the experience drew me in.”
At Faulkner, Potter immersed herself in the music program, performing in band, choir and jazz band. She played trumpet throughout her college career and sang alto in the choral program.
While at Faulkner Potter served as vice president and president of the university’s Collegiate National Association for Music Education chapter and was an active member of the Chi Omicron Chi social club, where she held roles including reporter, jamboree head coordinator and vice president.
Potter said the relationships she built at Faulkner made a lasting difference in her life.
“The professors knew me by name and truly cared about me,” she said. “They supported me even when I struggled and reminded me to keep going.”
She credits faculty members, including Art Williams and Stephen Foster, along with staff such as Marilyn Swears and Carolyn McCoy, for encouraging her throughout her academic journey.
“Everyone was rooting for me,” Potter said.
One of the most meaningful aspects of her time at Faulkner was the integration of faith into daily life. She said moments of prayer and encouragement from professors left a lasting impression, including a reminder of Romans 8:28 that continues to guide her today.
Now in her eighth year of teaching, Potter serves as the director of music and band for grades 6-12 at McEwen High School in McEwen, Tennessee. During her tenure, she has grown the band program from nine students to 40 and led the group to a top-10 finish at a state contest in 2024.
In 2026, Potter was selected to perform with the Saluting America’s Band Directors Band and marched in the Rose Parade on January 1.
“I love what I do,” she said. “It means everything to be able to use my degree every day.”
Potter remains connected to Faulkner and continues to follow the university’s growth, especially within the music department. She said she proudly represents her alma mater and encourages prospective students to consider Faulkner.
“Faulkner built me,” Potter said. “I’m so thankful for it.”
For Josh Guy, a 2014 graduate of Faulkner University, a passion for music has grown into a career dedicated to developing young musicians and leaders.
Guy earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Faulkner and quickly turned his focus toward music education and now serves as director of bands at Alabama Christian Academy. In this role, he oversees all aspects of the band program, including concert ensembles, marching band and percussion.
Guy said his connection to Faulkner began with family ties to the university, but it was the music department’s close-knit environment that ultimately influenced his decision to enroll.
“I knew I would be supported both academically and personally,” Guy said.
During his time at Faulkner, Guy was actively involved in the band program as a trumpet player. He also developed leadership skills through his roles as band president and as a member of the Sigma social club.
Guy said the relationships he built during his college years left a lasting impact.
“The friendships, mentorship and shared experiences created a foundation that has stayed with me long after graduation,” he said.
Guy said he was drawn to the field because of its ability to shape students in meaningful ways. Now as an educator, Guy works to instill those same values in his students.
“Music provides a unique platform to teach discipline, teamwork and excellence,” he said. “It has the ability to impact students far beyond the classroom. I enjoy watching students grow not only as musicians but also as individuals. Seeing their confidence and work ethic develop over time is incredibly rewarding.”
Guy continues to credit Faulkner’s music department for preparing him for his career.
“Faulkner’s Music Department offers a supportive, relationship-driven environment where students are known, challenged and encouraged to grow,” he said. “The faculty genuinely invest in their students, and that impact extends well beyond graduation.”
