ELLISVILLE – The partnership between Jones College’s Fine Arts department and the Salvation Army has brought hundreds of toys to children and smiles from adults enjoying the last five Christmas benefit shows. This year, the audience attending the Christmas Show, “Santa’s Swingin’ Pajama Party” was extremely gracious in giving unwrapped toy donations for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program in lieu of a ticket for the concert. After the show, Jones students helped the Salvation Army fill a dozen bags full of toys for children in the Pine Belt.
“Giving has been up this year but it is always amazing to witness the outpouring of love from the community for these kids. With the booming economy, we have collected more gifts with about the same number of people requesting our assistance. The donation of toys from the community and Jones College will help greatly,” said Laurel Salvation Army Major, Raymond Pruitt.
JCJC Fine Arts Division Chair, Mark Brown said he is happy about the big crowd attending the Christmas Show and donating presents. The music groups, JC Voices, JC Jazz, Bridge, along with the Touch of Gold Dance Team and theater students combined their talents to reward the crowd for their generosity with various traditional, new and jazzy Christmas songs and a show, directed by Bruce Smith.
“‘Santa’s Swingin’ Pajama Party’ was a tremendous success and I would like to thank the community for giving so generously to The Salvation Army Angel Tree Campaign. The students and faculty involved in the performance were pleased to have such a wonderful audience full of friends, young and old enjoying an entertaining show,” said Mark Brown.
For more information about the Angel Tree program, contact the Salvation Army at 601-428-4232 or go to http://salvationarmyalm.org/angel-tree/ For more information about the JC Fine Arts programs call at 601-477-4203. Follow JC Fine Arts on Facebook and Twitter.
Guest Stars in order of appearance
Jingle – Landon Williams of Waynesboro
Belle – Coco Caldwell of Laurel
Barbie – Sydney Brady of Madison
Ken – Jared Woullard of Leakesville
Mrs. Claus – Shaylee Thames of Petal
Santa
Members of JC Jazz
Dr. Ben Burge, Director
Joshua Anderson, Sandhill
John Harrison, Laurel
Kenton Henderson, Richton
Kendall Herrington, Enterprise
Sydney Herrington, Enterprise
Ryan Nowell, Ellisville
Hunter Gammil, Petal
Logan Donald, Ellisville
Michael Brown, Laurel
Bethany Miller, Ellisville
Linda Echenique, Laurel
Cole Johnson, Laurel
Clay Whitt, Vancleave
John Ivey, Petal
Zack Gregore, Petal
Matthew Dodd, Petal
Matthew Haight, Mobile, AL
Tristan Garrett, Laurel
Courtland Goff, Ellisville
Members of JC Voices
Dr. Susan A. Smith, Conductor
Ms. Jennifer Bruton, Assistant Director
Dr. David Goldblatt, Accompanist
Kenneth Anderson, Sand Hill
Kalyn Bales, Stringer
Ella Barker, Hattiesburg
James Bilbo, Hattiesburg
Faith Bufkin, Ellisville
Jorge Castillo, Ellisville
Kassidy Chandler, Laurel
Mary Coats, Taylorsville
Hayden Dillistone, Laurel
Reagan Dukes, Laurel
Nathaniel Gamblin, Waynesboro
Shedrick George, Laurel
Matthew Haight, Mobile, AL
Victor Harris, Laurel
Dakota Malone, Raleigh
Addison Nelms, Brandon
Lamar Saddler, Quitman
Jordan Sistrunk, Mize
Kendra Stevison, Lucedale
Alyssa White, Laurel
Davonzell Moncrief, Montrose
DeMoynedre Morgan, Houston
Eli McMellon, Moselle
Stuyuncey Nobles, Laurel
Caleb Pearce, Ellisville
Shellie Roberts, Ellisville
Members of The Bridge:
Dr. Susan A. Smith, Conductor
Mr. Gregory Wascoe, Assistant Director
Dr. David Goldblatt, Accompanist
James Bilbo, Ellisville
Jorge Castillo, Moselle
Kassidy Chandler, Laurel
Reagan Dukes, Laurel
Shedrick George, Laurel
Addison Nelms, Brandon
Davonzell Moncrief, Montrose
Caleb Pearce, Ellisville
Kendra Stevison, Lucedale
Touch of Gold Dancers
Anna Catherine Hampton, Petal High School
Sydney Jolly, Petal High School
Ryleigh Meadows, Petal High School
Lauryn Wheat, Petal High School
Sydney Beech, Laurel Christian High School
Rylee Gavin, South Jones High School
Lauren Hankins, Northeast Jones High School
Mary Hanna, South Jones High School
Holly James, South Jones High School
Taylor Martin, South Jones High School
Timber Prince, South Jones High School
Victoria Strickland, South Jones
Ashley Sumrall, West Jones High School
Courtney Thigpen, Laurel High School
Faith Lewis, Lawrence County
Julia Fairley, Richton High School
Victoria Carter, Brandon High School
Audrey Johnson, Warren Central High School
Lakeryia Lacey, Wayne County High School