Gwen graduated with honors from the University of Louisville with a Bachelor's degree in music education and vocal performance, where she was the recipient of the Presser Award for oustanding senior musician.

Furthering her music education, Gwen completed a Master of Music degree at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, and completed 80 doctoral hours in vocal performance with Gianna d'Angelo.

Ms. Witten Upchurch is in her 25th year of teaching high school choirs in the Monroe County Community School Corporation. Gwen directs not only Sounds of South, but also the Women's and Mixed choirs at Bloomington High School South.