Author: Teresa McCreery

ELLISVILLE –Jones College’s music faculty and Director of Bands, Dr. Ben Burge, along with Associate Directors of Band, Dr. Josh Frans and Dr. Lindsey Keay will be featured in a Faculty Recital on Thursday, March 13, at 7 p.m. in the M.P. Bush Fine Arts Auditorium. The three will be collaborating together with Frans playing various percussion instruments as the accompaniment to Keay on flute, and Burge on alto saxophone. Frans’ solo pieces will feature the marimba, vibraphone, and a multi-percussion performance that uses an electronic accompaniment.

“The composer, Andy Akiho who is a leading percussion composer, wrote this piece, ‘Stop Speaking’ about 10 years ago before AI, but he uses Word to type or compose the track, then he chose the voice, Vicky to voice it. There is no time signature or meter, so everything is based on the pattern of the speech, which is more challenging, and I had to learn a new way to practice the piece. I had to listen to the track and figure out the spacing between the words,” said Frans.

In addition to the distinctive use of technology in Frans’ solo, the free recital will feature a wide variety of genres of music including, jazz, tango, classical lyrical tunes and popular pieces to things you don’t always hear in a typical recital. Besides hearing different combinations of instruments playing together, the trio will be incorporating interesting techniques into their performances. One piece of obscure music influenced by Middle Eastern culture called, “Devil Dance,” is a duet featuring Frans on an Egyptian hand drum called a darbuka as Keay will be using extended techniques on her flute which many music students don’t usually have the opportunity to hear or learn.

“It’s a technique where you vocalize or sing and play at the same time. The tone is not full and it’s not like a real tone which sounds a little creepy. It’s something our audience will not typically hear and even our students will get to hear something they don’t come across in their own repertoire just yet. So, maybe it will give our students something to strive towards, although I do make my students sing and play in their lessons. It’s a technique that I think is helpful, but they may not have done a piece where they have to do that and so to see it in real time will be inspiring, I hope,” said Keay.

Despite the fact the three have been working together for the last six years, this will be the first time they will be performing together for a faculty recital.

“We are very excited to present this program so that our students can see us on the stage!” said Burge. “We spend our time coaching them for these moments and we believe that this is a great opportunity for them to watch us as well.”

The trio shared that performing for their students keeps them sharp. In fact, as the audience enjoys the varied works and displays of unique musical techniques, the Faculty Recital really serves as a continued learning experience for both the music faculty and their students.

As Frans explained, “You never stop being a student and you never stop learning. Once you think you’ve got it, then somebody else is out there moving forward and you become irrelevant. We don’t want that for our students, and they came here to study with us because we’re still out there performing, and we are still relevant in the professional world and still have connections that can help them in the future with letters of recommendation and making introductions and networking.”

To view the live performance, check out the Jones College School of Art, Music and Performance social media.

ELLISVILLE – It’s the story as old as time, inspiring books and theatrical performances globally and continues today. The story of loving someone different, prejudice and rivalry as inspired by William Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet, and the more current, 1950’s Broadway hit, “West Side Story,” will come to Ellisville in April. Jones College’s Theater Department is performing the musical conceived by Jerome Robbins with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and a book by Arthur Laurents, on Friday and Saturday, April 4 & 5 at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, April 6, at 2 p.m. in the M.P. Bush Fine Arts Auditorium. Tickets cost $15 for premium seats and $10 for the upper theater section and are available online at https://www.jcjc.edu/tickets/  Watch for ticket discounts on the Jones College Art, Music and Performance social media.

Jones College’s musical theater production of West Side Story features a cast of about 30 singers and dancers with some veteran performers returning to the stage. Dean of the School of Art, Music and Performance, Bruce Smith is also directing and producing the show with his students enrolled in the Musical Theater class handling other aspects of the show like stage prop design and managing ad sales. Leading the student driven production on stage are Daniel Baldwin of Magee as Tony, and Kiandra Lopez of Laurel, as Maria. Both students were in last spring’s production of Grease, along with Nick Singleterry of Oak Grove, who plays Riff in West Side Story.

“Kiandra was Rizzo, Daniel was Doody and part of the reason we chose this production is because we could see them in these roles,” said Smith. “Maria is a very challenging role, and Kiandra has got to be a true soprano in this role. She hasn’t done that in the past with us, but she’s got the ability to do it and she’s amazing. Daniel was born to play Tony. It’s just who he is. He’s that mild, leading man, that’s just, you know, there to find love.”

Finding love could prove difficult as the different factions fight for dominance in the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City, which was a multi-racial, blue-collar neighborhood in the 1950s. The musical depicts the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different backgrounds. The Sharks are migrants from Puerto Rico and the Jets, are white and are fighting for dominance in the neighborhood. Baldwin plays a former member of the Jets while Singleterry plays the gang leader who is still best friends with Baldwin’s character.

“I love the loyalty and courage that Tony displays,” shared Baldwin. “However, in some ways yes, it is hard for me to act out the character of Tony because he is very different from me. He is very impulsive and a helpless romantic. However, playing Tony has been my dream role since the first time I saw the play. West Side Story has always been my favorite musical to watch!”

Playing Maria was appealing to Lopez for a few reasons. She explained she enjoys how innocent and naive her character is, giving her the opportunity to think back to when she was also very naive and always in her world of “make believe.”

“Maria is also kind of hard for me to play because of some of the things I’ve gone through and singing in a heavy alto voice compared to Maria’s light soprano voice has been a big challenge for me,” said Lopez. “Also, being a part of Grease last year made me want the chance to sing and act on stage again with all of my castmates. I knew playing Maria would give me the chance to step out of my comfort zone to find new parts of me I didn’t know existed.”

Joining the main cast is a freshman from Petal, Korey Raines who plays Bernardo. His character is the leader of the Sharks and Baldwin’s character falls in love with his sister, Maria. Returning to the stage is sophomore Ella Jolly of Petal, playing Bernardo’s love interest, Anita. Two Jones College employees, Luke Hammonds and Stephen Parker, are joining the JC students. Hammonds brings his diverse acting skills to the JC stage portraying Officer Krupke, with Stephen Parker taking on the part of Lieutenant Schrank.

“This is a classic musical and we’re portraying it in a classic style, but it’s been retold in recent years through the eyes of Steven Spielberg with a movie version. We want the audience to see the depth of character that our students can portray because they’re capable of really diving into deeper storylines,” said Smith. “There are no curse words in the script, but there are some racial words that were used in the 1950s that are still in the script today.”

In addition to the memorable songs and exciting choreography, the focus on the social problems of the period is relevant to this day. Baldwin said, “I hope the audience takes away a sense of passion and importance of this play. It shows a very divided culture and the negative impacts that it can have on a society.”

Lopez has some additional thoughts for the audience to contemplate while enjoying the show. “I would like the audience to leave with the fact that no matter our skin tone and no matter our upbringing we all grieve the same. When you think you are alone there are so many people in the world experiencing the same hurt and problems that you are also going through.” 

Purchasing tickets now, before the show sells out is encouraged with a maximum of 1100 seats available for each performance. Ads in the JC Playbill program are also available for businesses to purchase through the School of Art, Music and Performance. Check the Jones College, School of Art, Music, and Performance website and social media pages for details prior to the performance. For more information about Jones College’s School of Art, Music and Performance department, call 601-477-4203.

West Side Story Cast, Crew & Ensemble

Director/Producer- Bruce Smith

Choreographer- Rachel Appleby

Character-Jones College Student, Hometown  High School

Action- Isaiah Spradley, Laurel                     Homeschool

Anita- Ella Jolly, Petal                                          Petal High School

Anxious- Kaleb Jasper, Taylorsville               West Jones High School

Anybodys- Anne Trest, Laurel                  West Jones High School (Current H.S. student)

A-Rab/Glad Hand- Peyton Shoemaker, Morton     Morton High School

Baby John- Charles Williams, Laurel                       West Jones High School

Bernardo- Korey Rainey, Petal                                 Petal High School

Big Deal- Ryan Sherman, Waynesboro                Wayne Academy

Chino- Samah Ratcliffe, Soso                                   West Jones High School

Clarice- Sydney Klaire Ivy, Raleigh                        Raleigh High School

Consuela-Teyonna Millsap, Laurel                       Laurel High School

Diesel-Matthew Arnold, Laurel            Northeast Jones High School

Doc- Sydnee Tisdale, Ellisville              South Jones High School

Estella- Addie Thames, Petal                South Jones High School

Francisca- Leila Daniels, Meridian      Forrest County AHS

Graziella- Chloe White, Laurel         Northeast Jones High School

Indo/Snowboy- Patricia Mitchell, Seminary   Seminary High School

Luis- Zion B. Cooper, Waynesboro        Wayne County High School

Margarita- Lexie Ruth, Ellisville          Laurel Christian School

Maria- Kiandra Lopez, Laurel             West Jones High School

Minnie- Zoe Vanderslice, Stringer   Laurel Christian School

Moose- Leo Norman, Ellisville         South Jones High School

Pauline- Natalie Evans, Ellisville        South Jones High School

Pepe- Bryce Jasper, Laurel                 West Jones High School

Riff- Nicholas D. Singleterry, Hattiesburg        Oak Grove High School

Teresita- Emalee Herrin, Laurel        Northeast Jones High School

Tony- Daniel Baldwin, Magee       Homeschool

Toro- Daryn Tran, Ellisville             South Jones High School

Velma- Heather Walters, Ellisville       South Jones High School

Officer Krupke- Luke Hammonds, Ellisville   ones College employee

Lt. Schrank- Stephen Parker, Laurel        Jones College employee

Due to the anticipated severe weather, Jones College is modifying its operations to prioritize the safety of our students, faculty, staff, and community. Please review the following updates carefully:

• All night classes will transition to virtual learning. Students should log in to their courses via Canvas for further instructions.
• All Jones College locations will close at 5:00 p.m., including:
  • Jones College Main Campus, Ellisville, MS
  • JC Clarke County Center, Stonewall, MS
  • JC Greene County Center, Leakesville, MS
  • JC Jasper County Center, Bay Springs, MS
  • JC Wayne County Center, Waynesboro, MS
  • Advanced Technology Center, Ellisville, MS
• Dormitories and food services will remain operational.
• All athletic events and student activities have been postponed to a later date.

We encourage all employees to prioritize safety and stay informed by monitoring local weather updates. Any further updates regarding campus operations will be shared via the Jones College website, email, social media channels, and local news outlets.

Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to safety.

ELLISVILLE – Among the list of the Mississippi Economic Council’s (MEC) newest Leadership Mississippi Class is Jones College’s Executive Vice President, Chief Governmental Affairs, Technology Services and Marketing Officer, Dr. Finée Ruffin. The 2025 MEC Leadership Mississippi Class consists of 45 professionals representing Mississippi’s diverse business, government and nonprofit sectors.

“Each year, Leadership Mississippi brings together the brightest minds from across our state to forge connections and develop the skills needed to shape Mississippi’s future,” said Scott Waller, President and CEO of the Mississippi Economic Council. “The Class of 2025 represents the remarkable diversity of talent and expertise that drives our state’s growth and success.”

Ruffin brings a varied and diverse background to the 2025 Class with experience in sales and marketing in the hospitality and residential leasing industry, to teaching marketing and entrepreneurship at Jones College. Furthermore, she offers an education focused management experience, and she has served in various leadership positions in local philanthropic organizations.

The Soso native was selected in 2012 to be the Marketing Director at Jones College and has been promoted to V.P. and Executive V.P. of Marketing, Recruiting, and Technology and Administrative Services over the last 10 years, to her current role which she has served in over the last two years. Being selected for the prestigious statewide leadership program, Ruffin said will impact her both personally and professionally.

“This opportunity with the MEC represents not only a personal milestone, but it is also a chance to collaborate with extraordinary leaders across our great state who are all dedicated to driving economic growth and strengthening our communities. As a passionate advocate for community colleges, I firmly believe that workforce development, education, and economic prosperity are deeply connected,” shared Ruffin.

The MEC describes the selection process for its Leadership Mississippi Class as a rigorous application process by a committee of program alumni. Participants engage in a comprehensive nine-month leadership development journey, combining intensive skill-building workshops, collaborative projects, and firsthand exploration of Mississippi’s economic drivers and challenges.

Ruffin said she is eager to embark on this new journey of impact and innovation alongside her fellow leaders who share a commitment to the state’s success. She is also filled with gratitude for the Mississippi Economic Council giving her the opportunity to serve the state in this capacity. Ruffin explained that she hopes to be able to take what she learns through this experience to help strengthen the role of education and economic success in the state.

“Through Leadership Mississippi, I look forward to learning, contributing, and championing initiatives that reinforce the vital role of education in building a stronger, more vibrant Mississippi for generations to come,” said Ruffin. “Our institutions serve as the bridge between talent and opportunity, equipping students with the skills needed to fuel Mississippi’s industries and shape the future of our economy. I look forward to collaborating with leaders across the state to champion education and innovation, strengthening Mississippi’s future.”

The Class of 2025’s journey begins with an opening session in Jackson in April and continues with immersive experiences across the state, including visits to the Mississippi Delta, Starkville, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast. These locations showcase Mississippi’s diverse economic landscape, from advanced manufacturing and aerospace to tourism and agriculture, according to the MEC.

Leadership Mississippi, established in 1974 and conducted by the M.B. Swayze Foundation, stands as the nation’s second-oldest statewide leadership program. The program has cultivated a network of more than 1,400 alumni who actively shape Mississippi’s business environment and public policy. The program continues to thrive through the endowment established by the late J.C. and Annie Redd, with J.C. Redd serving as MEC Chairman during the program’s founding year. For more information about Leadership Mississippi and the Mississippi Economic Council, visit mec.ms.

ELLISVILLE – Opening the revised Spring Recital Series at Jones College was virtuoso trombonist from The Netherlands, Jonathan Henneveld and Jones College piano faculty, Dr. Theresa Sanchez. The USM doctoral student played music by Axel Jørgensen, Launy Grøndahl, and Søren Hyldgaard. Henneveld shared with the audience in the Foote Chapel the musical selections are familiar composers from The Netherlands that he grew up listening to before coming to USM. He is currently teaching music majors and coaching chamber ensembles as part of his Graduate Assistantship at USM as he pursues his Doctor of Musical Arts degree.

Music lovers will have to wait a few weeks before the next concert in the Spring Recital Series lineup. 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, will be flutist Brianne Little and pianist Siying He, who will be performing in the Foote Chapel from 12:45 p.m. until 1:15 p.m. Little and He will take the audience 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.

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