An Oral History with Arthella Williams Dean: Music, Education, and the Power of the Choir, January 23, 2025

This oral history is an interview with Arthella Williams Dean, a music educator, detailing her life journey and professional career, particularly her eleven years teaching at Carbon High School (2011-2022). Dean shares her musical upbringing in Colorado and Idaho, including early piano and voice lessons, involvement in community and All-State choirs, and her decision to pursue music education. She discusses her Bachelor's degree from BYU-Idaho and a Master's in Music Education with a Choral Emphasis from BYU, where her thesis focused on the adolescent male voice. Highlights of her career at Carbon High include establishing a Men's Choir, a Group Voice class, and securing 16 digital pianos to offer Group Piano classes. She recounts significant student achievements, such as performing at Carnegie Hall and Kade Allen's selection for the National Association of Music Education National Honor Choir, all while emphasizing her personal and professional motto, "Sing to bless, not impress," and her love for student mentorship.