Justin Bell

Justin E. Bell is a determined, rising junior double major in Music Education and Vocal Performance at The University of Southern Mississippi. He is a Luckyday Scholar and a member of The Southern Chorale as a Baritone singer. Bell attended Murrah High School and Power Academic and Performing Arts Complex (APAC) School in Jackson, Mississippi, where he graduated Salutatorian of his class and served as the Student Director of Choirs. As a member of the Murrah Concert Singers, Bell was blessed to perform across the United States, ranging from Los Angeles to NYC, and a concert tour in Italy. He has also been seen in numerous productions at New Stage Theatre in Jackson, such as A Christmas Carol and Peter Pan. While studying at USM, Justin has performed in a number of both musical theatre and opera/opera scenes productions, such as The Drowsy Chaperone, Showbiz: A Century of Showtunes, L'elisir D'amore, and he sang as Papageno in the quintet from The Magic Flute. As a member of the world-renowned Southern Chorale, Justin has had the opportunity to perform in the National Premiere of Moorland Elegies, by Estonian composer Tõnu Kõrvitz, at Carnegie Hall; in February 2020, Justin sang as a soloist with The Southern Chorale during their South Korea concert tour, as part of the 2020 Jeju International Choir Festival. As a mentor to younger artists, he worked as a Vocal Instructor at the Salvation Army's Carolina Music and Arts Conservatory in Summer 2019, and he was hired to work at the 2020 Interlochen Summer Arts Camp, prior to the pandemic. After completing his undergrad degree in May 2022, Justin would love to study a Master's degree in Voice at a Conservatory or Conservatory-level program and go on to launch a professional career in performance, integrating his skill for acting for the stage and television with his passion for singing opera, musical theatre, and other genres, and later becoming a Professor of Voice. Bell believes that he is a vessel for change and inspiration, and this is the reason for his music. He would like to thank his family, Mr. Pierrdro Gallion, Dr. Jonathan Yarrington, Dr. Gregory Fuller, and Dr. Susan Ruggiero for new opportunities, support, and exposure! Bell's motto is The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi: "Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is darkness, let me bring light. Where there is sadness, let there be joy."