Southern Miss Gulf Coast Civic Chorale Seeks New Members

Published: Aug. 18, 2016 at 9:45 AM CDT
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LONG BEACH, MS (WDAM) - The following is a news release from The University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Civic Chorale is in search of new members to join its community choir.

Based on the University's Gulf Park campus in Long Beach, the Southern Miss Gulf Coast Civic Chorale is a local community singing group organized and orchestrated through the University's School of Music. The group consists of approximately 50 community members and University alumni of all ages.

Individuals interested in participating should attend the group's first practice Tuesday, August 23, at 7 p.m. in the Fleming Education Center Auditorium on the Gulf Park campus. No prior experience is necessary and no auditions will be held.

There is no fee to join the chorale, but members must purchase a fall folder, which provides the music and binder needed for performances. The price of the fall folder is $35 and $50 for sustaining members who would like to have their names included in concert programs.

In the upcoming 22nd season, the Civic Chorale will perform an array of selections under the theme, "A Proud Tradition." Performances throughout the season will include the annual Festival of Choirs and holiday concerts, along with two concerts in the spring centered on "A Proud Tradition."

"In thinking about the upcoming year, I kept going back to the importance of the Civic Chorale in the life of the Gulf Coast and for Southern Miss," said new artistic director Dr. Jonathan Kilgore. "To anyone who has been involved, the Civic Chorale isn't just a choir but a family — one steeped in the tradition of musical excellence and pride.  This particular theme seemed only fitting as we move forward into a new year."

Kilgore is a visiting assistant professor of music and an assistant director of choral activities at the University. He comes to Southern Miss after spending eight years as director of choral activities and as fine arts department chair at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Jackson County Campus.

A former member of the Southern Miss Gulf Coast Civic Chorale, Kilgore served seven years as an accompanist under the direction of Dr. John Flanery, former associate professor and associate choral director at the University.

As new director of the chorale, Kilgore said he looks forward to making wonderful and lasting memories through song.

"It is my hope that, above all, we make some wonderful musical memories this year," he said. "I would certainly love to see some new members join us on Tuesday nights, as well as for the community to continue their support of our performances."

The Southern Miss Gulf Coast Civic Chorale will present at the following performances this season:

Festival of Choirs
Oct. 11, Gulfport High School, 7 p.m.

Holiday Traditions
Dec. 16, Fleming Education Center Auditorium, Southern Miss Gulf Park, 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 18, Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Biloxi, 3 p.m.

Choral Traditions
March 3, Fleming Education Center Auditorium, Southern Miss Gulf Park, 7:30 p.m.
March 5, St. Michael Catholic Church in Biloxi, 3 p.m.

Broadway Traditions
May 12, Fine Arts Auditorium, MGCCC Jefferson Davis campus in Gulfport, 7:30 p.m.
May 14, Fleming Education Center Auditorium, Southern Miss Gulf Park, 3 p.m.

For more information about the group, visit www.usm.edu/gulfcoast/gulf-coast-civic-chorale.

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