Musical Performances Getting Booked at Mississippi College

MC Singers

Mississippi College Singers, the Jazz Band and Symphonic Winds are among the talented groups gearing up for Fall performances on the Clinton campus.

Guest artists booked for the Christian’s university’s Sclater Chamber Music Series are planning concerts, too. MC Music Department leaders are sponsoring these diverse events, all open to the public.

Among the key dates: the Jazz Band will perform on Clinton’s historic Brick Streets on October 18. The 6 p.m. event that Friday is free.

Besides the Choctaws football game, tailgating, and a parade along College Street, MC Singers will entertain alumni at their annual Homecoming concert. The free performance on October 26 is set for Provine Chapel at 1:30 p.m. that Saturday.

Over the years, the MC Singers performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City, and on stages in Europe and South Africa. Professor Mark Nabholz conducts the group.

Year-round, the MC Worship Collective showcases their skills, with performances of contemporary Christian music celebrating their faith.

One of the Worship Collective members, communication major Jared Vardaman received plenty of media attention in late August. He penned the “God Bless Chick-fil-A” tune to spotlight the popular restaurant chain coming to the Clinton campus.

A Morton resident, Vardaman wrote the song as a parody of country singer Lee Greenwood’s hit “Proud to be an American.” MC students are delighted President Blake Thompson announced Chick-fil-A will come to the Christian university in 2020. Dr. Thompson made the “big reveal” at the Faculty/Staff Convocation luncheon on August 23.

Days later, Jared’s new song went viral on Facebook and other social media.

There are several more dates to circle on the MC Music Department calendar this Fall.

Among notable performances:

--On November 7, there will be a Night of Worship at First Baptist Church Clinton. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. Music professor Will Bishop, who spearheads the Worship Collective, will lead the free program that Thursday evening.

--On November 15, music lovers are invited to the Sclater Chamber Music Series at the Jean Pittman Williams Recital Hall. The Friday evening program begins at 7:30 p.m. The entertaining series is named for Jimmy Sclater, a retired music professor and award-winning composer from Clinton. Tickets are $20 for adults, and $5 for children and students from any school.

--On November 25, the Symphonic Winds directed by professor Craig Young performs at Swor Auditorium. The 7:30 p.m. concert is free.

--On December 3, the MC Jazz Band takes the stage at the Jean Pittman Williams Recital Hall. Their 7:30 p.m. Tuesday program is free.

For more than 30 years, the Festival of Lights has remained one of MC’s signature events, an amazing tribute to the Christmas season. MC Singers concerts are set for December 5-7 at Provine Chapel beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for the public, $10 for faculty, staff and seniors. The price is $5 for children and students. The best advice for concert-goers is to purchase tickets in advance or arrive early.

Details about MC Music Department events are listed at music.mc on the university’s website. Tickets are available at the door or online at mc.edu/marketplace