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ELLISVILLE – This year’s Spring Recital Series will feature a musical “feast” on the fourth Tuesday of February, March and April. With musicians from across the globe and across the U.S., music lovers will be treated to three unique opportunities to enjoy during the short performances. The annual Spring Recital Series of concerts are free and open to the public. For more information call the JC Fine Arts Department at 601-477-4203 or online at https://www.facebook.com/JCJCFineArts

On Tuesday, February 25, at 12:45 p.m. until 1:15 p.m. in the Foote Chapel, the Series opens with, “The Danish Experience.”  Virtuoso trombonist Jonathan Henneveld from The Netherlands will open the series with beautiful music by Axel Jørgensen, Launy Grøndahl, and Søren Hyldgaard.  He will be joined by Jones College faculty pianist, Dr. Theresa Sanchez.

Jonathan T.J. Henneveld is a multifaceted trombonist, a performing artist with Antoine Courtois, and currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Southern Mississippi with Dr. Ben McIlwain. As a freelancer, Jonathan has played with several orchestras, for example, Prinsens Musikkorps, Aarhus Symphony Orchestra, Sønderjyllands SO (South Denmark SO), and Aarhus Jazz Orchestra, amongst others. Next to this, he won the solo competition of the Royal Academy of Music Aarhus and got to play as a soloist with Aalborg SO in 2020. Recently, he won the Gower Concerto Competition and was rewarded a solo feature with the USM Orchestra last February.

Henneveld has taught at the Orkesterefterskolen, and the music schools in Holstebro and Struer, Denmark. Now, he teaches the music majors, and coaches chamber ensembles as part of his Graduate Assistantship at USM.

Dr. Theresa Sanchez has served on the Jones College faculty since 1995 and is a past president of the Mississippi Music Teachers Association.  She has received numerous teaching awards, and in 2024 was named a Fellow of the Music Teachers National Association.  She performs regularly as a chamber musician with the Impromptu Piano Trio, and as a symphony pianist.  She has served as Music Coordinator for FestivalSouth since its inception in 2010.

Jones College is honored to host the University of North Carolina-Greensboro, Wind Ensemble, which is a select group with a distinguished history, conducted by Jonathan Caldwell, and featuring soprano soloist Lindsay Kesselman on Tuesday, March 25, at 12:45 until 1:45 p.m. in the M.P. Bush Fine Arts Auditorium.

Founded in 1937, the UNCG Bands are among the finest collegiate band programs in the United States and dedicated to the performance, study, and cultivation of wind band music of the highest quality. The UNCG Wind Ensemble is a select concert band of approximately fifty performers within the UNCG School of Music from first-year students through master’s and doctoral students. Members of the current Wind Ensemble are drawn from fifteen states, China, and Peru.

The UNCG Wind Ensemble has enjoyed a distinguished record of performance. The band has performed across the United States and Europe in venues that include the Music Center at Strathmore, the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, and Dvořák Hall. In addition, the band has performed for national conferences of the College Band Directors National Association, the American Bandmasters Association, and the National Band Association and frequently commissions and premieres new music for the band.

The band’s legacy of highly acclaimed recordings includes nineteen albums released between 1995 and 2015. The band’s latest recording projects, The Centennial Collection and Centennial Chimes, are celebrations of the UNCG School of Music’s centennial (1921–2021). With nearly 120 tracks totaling more than 12 hours of music, these albums include material from the UNCG Wind Ensemble’s history that was previously unavailable in digital form as well as premiere recordings of four compositions commissioned for the school’s centennial.

Wrapping up the Spring Recital Series on Tuesday, April 22, in the Foote Chapel from 12:45 p.m. until 1:15 p.m. will be flutist Brianne Little and pianist Siying He. They are taking us on a musical journey through different types of mythologies and legends from cultures across the globe, including Greek Mythology, Japanese Legends, Fairytales by Hans Cristian Andersen, and Hungarian folklore, through music by Franz Doppler, Carl Reinecke and Amanda Harburg in “Myth, Legend, Fantasy.”

Dr. Brianne Little is the Assistant Professor of Flute at the University of Louisiana Lafayette. She is a First Prize winner of the 2018 Vienna, 2019 Paris, and 2019 London Grand Prize Virtuoso competitions and the 2018 Golden Classic Music Awards International Competition. She has performed in Italy, France, and England in such venues as Carnegie Hall, the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Amphithéâtre – Cité de la Musique, in Paris, St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna, and the Haydnsall in Eisenstadt, Austria. In July 2019, she performed as Guest Principal Flutist with the Orquesta Filarmónica de Santa Cruz de La Sierra in Bolivia.

Dr. Siying He is an active collaborative pianist based in Louisiana. She has served as a staff pianist for the Vocal Immersion Program at the Castleton Festival (2022, 2023) and was a vocal fellow at the Aspen Music Festival in 2023. In 2024, she was an apprentice vocal coach at Opera in the Ozarks at Inspiration Point. Dr. He has appeared as a collaborative pianist for masterclasses, competitions, and professional productions, working closely with vocalists and instrumentalists in recital and concert settings. Her engagements include performances with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Rapides Symphony Orchestra, and Opera Louisiane. Dr. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Collaborative Piano from Louisiana State University and a Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music.

ELLISVILLE – Jones College’s music department hosted Aquim Sacramento from the University of Bahia in Brazil for a noon concert featuring him playing the vibraphone and drums. Percussionist and Assistant Director of Bands, Dr. Josh Frans invited the rising musician who is performing in the area. A small group of Jones College students enjoyed the selections from some of his own music, “Espetáculo Excalibur” on the vibraphone. Sacramento also shared his rhythmic sounds on a variety of drums.

ELLISVILLE –Jones College’s Electrical Technology freshman from Myrick, Seth McNeil is the first student in the program to be selected for the apprenticeship program with Pulse Electric in Laurel. After his first semester in the program, the Northeast Jones High School graduate earned the opportunity to receive tuition and expenses for three years as he earns his A.A.S. degree in Electrical Technology.

“The apprenticeship program will benefit two Jones College students that want to get in this industry,” said Pulse Electric owner, Chance Sims. “Essentially, as they go through the electrical technology program, students don’t always have an opportunity to apply their skills. This experience will give them a leg up when they finish. They’ll have more skills, which gives them a higher pay too.”

While taking courses at Jones College, Seth will also be employed by Pulse Electric as part of the apprenticeship. He has also committed to work with the company for three years after he graduates from Jones.

“This works out great for Pulse Electric and it works good for me as a student,” said Seth. “It gets my name out there and while I’m still learning, I’m working and getting better. It’s been working out pretty good so far!”

McNeil signed the apprenticeship agreement with his parents, Joseph and Lorrie McNeil watching at the special signing day. Both parents are excited about his future.

“It’s nice to see companies take stock in students coming out in that field because they know that they’re getting the training at school that they need to be able to move into the workforce. This opportunity probably saved the company a little time in training, and it helped my son too,” said an appreciative Lorrie McNeil.

Joseph McNeil said he heard Sims needed some help and Seth took the initiative to explore his options. While talking with Sims, he discovered he was eligible for the apprenticeship opportunity.

“What I love is the fact Seth likes what he’s doing, he’s getting paid, and his tuition is paid for too,” said Joseph McNeil. “I told Seth, now you can take what you learn in class and get a real-world application. He can also come to Jones and talk to his instructors, Mr. Griffith, and Mr. Pierce. He can also practice his skills here before he goes to work.”

Vice President of Career Services and eLearning, Jennifer Griffith said she’s hopeful more contractors and businesses will offer similar opportunities for more students. Currently, Jones College offers apprenticeships with South Central Regional Medical Center and Hol-Mac Industries.

“We want to match up more of our students because our students are trying to figure out how to pay for college and their goal is to get a job. So, it’s a beautiful marriage between students and companies,” said Griffith.

For more information call Career Services’ Holly Robertson at 601-477-4206.

ELLISVILLE – Jones College president, Dr. Jesse Smith officially named the lobby of the M.P. Bush Fine Arts Building the Patti Callaway Young Gallery in honor of the wife of Jones College’s second president, Dr. J.B. Young. At a private dedication ceremony, Smith shared that it was important to remember the lady who was the “genesis” of the music programs at JC.

“She served wherever she was needed and filled roles as band and choral director, as well as a piano and organ teacher. Patti did whatever was needed to ensure music was accessible and enjoyed,” Smith shared at the ceremony.  “Patti was a loyal and faithful wife and a great First Lady to Jones County Junior College, but that was not all. She also knew how to love people, and she knew how to be friends with everyone.”

Patti Callaway Young’s passion for music and education inspired many as a teacher across Mississippi. She also impacted hundreds of JC students and its employees when she returned to teach at JCJC in 1939. While serving as the First Lady of Jones County Junior College, beside her husband, President J.B. Young for 30 years, Patti is credited with establishing the high musical standard in the JCJC music department. In addition to inspiring her great niece, Kathie Gunn Lott who became a piano teacher in Ellisville, Mrs. Young befriended two influential ladies who provided a firm foundation in various ways for the college: Margaret Ann Pickering as the Jones College Foundation President from 2007 to 2010, who also serves with her husband in various ways, the Honorable Charles Pickering and Martha Tisdale, as the First Lady of JCJC from 1970-1997, beside her husband, the third president of JCJC, Dr. Terrell Tisdale, and as a former music instructor.

“To know Patti Callaway Young was to admire, appreciate and love her,” said Tisdale, who met Mrs. Young as a student at JCJC from 1961-1963. “Beautiful and always dressed to perfection, she was a gracious hostess for many events in the president’s home…. Terrell was always grateful for the many kindnesses and opportunities they showered on him. Patti Young was the epitome of what a First Lady should be, serving as a role model for me. It was a privilege to know her.” Tisdale shared on one of the five panels in the Gallery which displays excerpts of how Young influenced the lives of many.

The Patti Callaway Young Gallery dedication ceremony also provided the opportunity for the Young’s daughter, Dr. Beverly Langford and her husband, Charlie Boyd to share how they hope their gift to the college will continue to inspire more people. The couple donated the funds for Jones College to purchase a Spirio ǁ r Steinway Grand Piano.

“The main thing I want to do is to thank you. I want to thank President Smith. I want to thank Dean Bruce Smith, Sabrina Young and all the people that worked with all of you, to make this happen. What a wonderful occasion, in Mother’s memory. I want you to know how much she loved the students, the faculty, the administration and all the workers at all levels, no matter what they did, she had a special interest in them. I want you to also know how much I appreciate all of you supporters and the alumni, all of you who are here tonight, and all the people who’ve been a part of this. Her memory will go on thanks to you and please know how much I value you, and how much we all appreciate you,” Young’s daughter, Dr. Beverly Langford gratefully shared.

With the Langford-Boyd’s donation, and the joint effort in fundraising between the College and the Foundation, including proceeds from the Ellen Young Gunn fundraisers over the last few years, Jones College is now an All-Steinway Piano School.

“We received the 100^th Steinway Spirio ǁ r, which means it will record, allowing our faculty and students to record on it. We can use it for performances and analyze the performance. Also, we can use the Spiriocast or listen to a live performance in Carnegie Hall or a recording. Our music appreciation students can experience a live concert from the past and present,” an excited Dean of the School of Art, Music and Performance, Bruce Smith shared.

The addition of the Spirio ǁ r Steinway Grand Piano at JC is only the third such piano in the state. It offers JC students additional opportunities to produce more musical legacies.

“We are not just teaching them notes in rhythm. We’re cultivating the artists, educators, and leaders of tomorrow. We’re honoring the tradition of celebrating music, the tools and the people who make it possible. Together, we can ensure the melodies of the past inspire the dreams of our future,” said Dean Smith.   

Demonstrating the richness and function of the new Steinway Grand Piano the college received, JC piano instructor, Dr. Theresa Sanchez performed Nocturne in E flat major, by Chopin. Then, she and fellow piano instructor at Jones College, Dr. Victoria Johnson were each recognized with a special award. Steinway representatives, Chris and Christy Myers capped off the evening by acknowledging JC’s two piano instructors with the Top Piano Teacher Award for their excellence in music education and for their contributions to the community.

ELLISVILLE – A partnership between Jones College’s Workforce College and South Central Regional Medical Center is giving more students their first introduction to the medical profession with practical training as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA). Additionally, because many graduates of the program plan to continue in their new roles, SCRMC is able to train potential employees, helping to fill the demand for skilled employees.

“This short-term training is a great opportunity for those who want to improve their lives and the lives of others. It may also be an option for someone who may be looking for new opportunities,” said Becky Collins, Jones College-Workforce College’s Business Development Manager. “It’s only three weeks or 100-hours of instruction and they will get classroom and clinical training. Once they complete that, they’ll take their certification tests. Those that complete the course successfully are eligible to work at the area nursing homes.”

Five students signed up for the first class, like Jamie Romero of Ellisville, who is interested in a career in the medical field.

“I wanted to see if this was an option for me to begin a career without going to college first,” said Romero. “I am interested in discovering my options within the medical profession.”

The eligibility requirements are minimal for the CNA Workforce program. Applicants must be 18 years old to take the certification test and complete a background check. An ACT score is not required and there is not a GPA requirement. The Certified Nurse Assistant Workforce class through SCRMC is a non-credit workforce program through Jones College and is funded through a grant with Accelerate Mississippi.

“This is really one of those programs that is trying to get individuals workforce ready. So, there are fewer requirements than for those who want to get into nursing. Maybe their grades are not where they need to be, or, maybe, they haven’t completed everything required for a traditional nursing program. This CNA program is a stepping stone for those people, and this is where they can learn those on-site job skills and then hopefully, reapply for a nursing program or put it on their application that it’s one of their extra skills they’ve gained to help set them apart when they are applying to further their medical career,” said Collins.

The first 12 days of the training under SCRMC’s instructor and nurse, Melisha Triplett LPN II, includes classroom instruction, learning the rules and regulations, and state requirements regarding various facilities. Then, as skills are mastered, students apply those skills in a clinical setting.

“When they finish the program, they will have the knowledge and training to take the state exam. If they pass, they are certified with the state of Mississippi and eligible to work in our long-term care facilities. This is a great opportunity for people who want to join the healthcare profession, and this is a great program for anyone wanting to start a career,” said Triplett.

The only out-of-pocket costs to students are the $50 fee to take the National Career Readiness Certificate test or WorkKeys, which many high school students have taken, and purchasing the required apparel like scrubs, shoes, and a watch. For more information and to apply for the upcoming February 20, 2025, class, call 601-477-4114 or email, workforce@jcjc.edu.

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Jones County Junior College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Jones County Junior College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 3033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Statement of Non-Discrimination and ADA Statement: Jones County Junior College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability in its programs, activities, or employment practices. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding the non-discrimination policy: The (ADA/ Section 504) Wendy Evans, ADA Coordinator,

Terrell Tisdale Library, phone 601-477-2673; email ADACoordinator@jcjc.edu and Title IX Coordinator, Brittany Weatherford-Barron, Hutcheson Hubbard Administration Building, phone 601-477-4127; email brittany.weatherford@jcjc.edu. Jones County Junior College, 900 South Court Street, Ellisville, MS 39437.