![Clarence Bell II is working toward a Master of Music degree at Georgia State University in Atlanta. [Special to the News Bulletin]](http://127.0.0.1/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ghows-DA-4fde5992-2a97-063e-e053-0100007f06ed-adcdf976.jpeg)
CRESTVIEW — Georgia State University in Atlanta has awarded a graduate assistantship to Clarence G. Bell II, a former Crestview resident. He will teach undergraduate students at the university level while completing a dual Master of Music degree in vocal performance and choral conducting.
Bell also conducts the GSU Master Singers, who this month won first place in a vocal competition in Germany.
Bell graduated from Virginia State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. He has premiered in two productions with the GSU Opera Theater Department and is a professional singer at Friendship Baptist Church and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus.
Licensed as a minister by the House of Prayer in Virginia in 2012, Bell cites Philippians 4:6-7, which states, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
His parents are U.S. Army Master Sgt. Tonya Lewis, currently stationed in Korea, and U.S. Army National Guardsman Sgt. 1st Class Clarence Bell of Crestview.
His grandparents are Linda Lewis and Jean and Charlie Bell Sr., all of Crestview. His late great-grandparents were Violet McDonald-Johnson of Crestview, and Mary and Early Jackson of Baker.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Former Crestview resident makes strides in music career