Dr. William Carswell

In 2012, Dr. Will Carswell became only the second music director and conductor of the Masterworks Choir in its history, succeeding founder and conductor William B. Mills.  Known for his innovative programming and thoughtful interpretations of classical and contemporary works, Dr. Carswell has expanded the repertoire of the Choir and led the efforts to engage the ensemble more fully into the fabric of the community through performance, education, and outreach. Before his appointment with the Masterworks Choir Dr. Carswell served for five seasons as music director and conductor of the Columbia Choral Society. 

 Dr. Carswell serves as the Associate Provost at Francis Marion University. Before this appointment, he served as a faculty member and an administrator at Coker University in Hartsville for 19 years. He is also director of music and organist at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church in Darlington, a position he has held for 16 years. 

 Dr. Carswell has appeared as a clinician, adjudicator, or conductor across the Southeastern US, as well as in Vienna, Prague, Budapest, London, Paris, Venice, Rome, and Dublin. Choirs under his direction have been heard in such prestigious venues as the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the U.S. Capital in Washington, DC, the Koger Center for the Performing Arts in Columbia, S.C., Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, along with four appearances in Carnegie Hall. 

 An accomplished conductor and educator, Dr. Carswell received the prestigious Excellence in Teaching Award from the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities in recognition of his accomplishments and commitment to excellence in collegiate teaching.  He is also the 2021 recipient of the John W. Baker Distinguished Service Award given by the Florence Regional Arts Alliance. Dr. Carswell holds degrees from Florida State University, the University of South Carolina, and Appalachian State University.