The Voices of Columbia has been honored as the selection to be the featured Commercial and Contemporary Choir for the Mississippi American Choral Directors Association/Mississippi Music Educators Association State Conference next week at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Columbia High School’s choir was selected by a blind audition through submitting performance videos of previous school years and judged by an external panel of judges. Choirs from around the state are eligible to audition.
This conference is the annual state conference where music educators from around the state gather to learn and make music together. More than 600 elementary through high school students will be on campus learning from world renowned choral directors in the All-State honor choirs.
The Voices is also honored to have five of its students participating in the high school honor choir, including Brooklyn Baughman, Ezra Hurst, Sophie Lucas, Eriyanna Stovall and Kasi Virgil.
“We are honored to have been selected for this performance and can't wait to showcase our program, ‘Beautiful Struggles: Embracing the Journey,’” Associate Choral Director Mitchell Crawford said in a statement.
The Voices will perform Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. in the Mannoni Performing Arts Center on the campus of USM. It will also have a send off concert Monday, Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m. in the Crystelle Ford Auditorium at Columbia High that is free to the public. Members of the choir would love for the community to come see this program and the students’ hard work.
“We are excited for this opportunity not only for our students but for our school and community that pour so much into our Fine Arts Programs at Columbia High School,” Crawford said.
A message from The Voices: “Beautiful Struggles: Embracing the Journey” is a concert that celebrates the profound lessons life teaches us through experience. It will explore the themes of responsibility and resilience as we navigate the ups and downs of our unique paths. Through the power of music, it will reflect on the importance of holding on to what we love while also learning the art of letting go. Each song will inspire empowerment and self-love, reminding us that even in the face of negativity, we can rise above and create a brighter future. As we wait for the world to change, let this be a testament to our shared struggles and triumphs, united in our pursuit of growth and understanding. Join us as we embrace every moment of this beautiful journey together.
