02/25/2026
In Celebration of Women in Black History, We Proudly Recognize Our Very Own Rochelle Joyner.
From a single childhood question — “Do you want to take piano lessons?” — a remarkable musical journey began. At the age of ten, her grandmother introduced her to the piano, unknowingly setting the stage for a life devoted to music. Within just three months of lessons, her extraordinary progress inspired her grandmother and parents to surprise her with a new piano — an early affirmation of a rare and undeniable gift.
That early promise matured into a distinguished career marked by artistry, leadership, and historic firsts. She became the first recipient of the Bernard T. Foy Music Scholarship at Winston-Salem State University, where her college education was funded through numerous music scholarships alongside the steadfast support of her parents.
Her musical training expanded beyond the keyboard when her father purchased her first violin, leading to private study and membership in the Young Salem Symphony at the North Carolina School of the Arts. This dual foundation in piano and violin would shape her versatility and depth as a musician.
She later earned her graduate degree at Southern Illinois University, where her tuition was fully funded through the prestigious Graduate Academic Dean’s Assistantship and Graduate Dean’s Fellowship — honors reflecting both academic excellence and musical distinction.
Her professional career includes notable achievements and pioneering roles. She was the first pianist to perform a piano duet at the Gateways Music Festival in Rochester, New York, and during her residency in Rochester, she assisted Armenta Adams Hummings Dumisani, founder of the internationally celebrated festival. She also made history as the first female Music Director of the Omega Select Chorus.
Her passion for musical leadership and community impact is reflected in her work at EBC, where she created the Christmas Candlelight Service, founded a Handbell Choir for senior women, and taught and conducted the Hallelujah Chorus in the church’s new sanctuary.
Among her most distinguished honors, she served as Piano Accompanist for the North Carolina A&T State University Choir during its performance at the White House under the presidency of Barack Obama.
Her career stands as a testament to artistic excellence, visionary leadership, and a lifelong dedication to inspiring others through music.
