Focus Hawaii Elder William C. Cogdell

Authors

• Lance Chase
• William C. Cogdell

Files

Description

Hosted by Lance Chase, this episode of Focus Hawaii features Elder William C. Cogdell, a senior Latter-day Saint missionary from Lenoir, North Carolina, whose life story intertwines faith, education, and a lifetime love of music. Elder Cogdell shares his journey from his early years in rural North Carolina—where he developed musical talent under the guidance of his mother—to earning a degree in instrumental and vocal music, teaching for 32 years, and operating a chain of music stores. He describes his uncommon missionary assignment at BYU–Hawaii, where he directed choirs, taught voice classes, worked with university ensembles, and served alongside his wife, who contributed through sewing for university productions. The conversation highlights his work as a piano tuner, his experiences with blind craftsmen who influenced his training, reflections on Hawaiian musical culture, and his continued passion for choral work—both in Hawai‘i and in his longtime community men’s chorus in North Carolina. With warmth and humility, Elder Cogdell reflects on his service, his enduring dedication to music, and his plans upon returning home after completing his mission.

Length of Video

00:29:35

File Size

2.5GB

Archives Call Number

22.FH

Air Date

5-6-1998

Keywords

Elder William C. Cogdell, Focus Hawaii, senior missionary, BYU–Hawaii, music educator, piano tuner, North Carolina musician, Latter-day Saint mission, choral director, University Chorale, Choral Union, Caldwell County Men’s Chorus, Hawaiian music culture, instrumental and vocal music, Music Center stores, missionary service interview, LDS music traditions, senior couple missionaries

Recommended Citation

Chase, Lance and Cogdell, William C., "Focus Hawaii Elder William C. Cogdell" (1998). Focus Hawaii. 154.
https://digitalcollections.byuh.edu/focushawaii/154