Author: Teresa McCreery

ELLISVILLE –The Jones College Concert Choir, under the direction of Dr. Imgyu Kang proudly presents its Spring Concert, “The Story,” at two upcoming performances. The First Baptist Church of Laurel will host the JC choir on Sunday, April 27, at 6 p.m. and Glade Baptist Church will feature the choir at 6 p.m. on Sunday, May 4.

Admission is free, and all community members and students are welcome to join the Jones Choir Family in this meaningful musical experience. Dr. Kang said, “’The Story’ promises to be an evening of inspiration and connection through powerful choral music.”

Additionally, JC Voices will present their Spring concert titled, “Spring Serenade” on Wednesday, April 23, at 6 p.m. at Faith Presbyterian Church, in Leakesville.

“Spring Serenade” will take the audience on a musical journey through the themes of love, faith, renewal, and unity from the intricate harmonies of the Renaissance madrigals to the soulful melodies of gospel, folk, and contemporary works. This concert celebrates the essence of spring: hope, joy, and new beginnings. The concert will feature stirring solos, vibrant ensemble pieces, and uplifting quartets, all performed in six different languages, spanning from the Renaissance to Contemporary styles, including a special appearance by ballet dancers. Admission is free and the public is invited to this evening of song and celebration.

JC Choir Members 2024-2025

Emily Amason, Mize

Trinity Amason, Mize

Matthew Arnold, Laurel

Kati Jane Barnard, Magee

Audria Belding, Laurel

Shawn Blaylock, Mobile, AL

Bralynn Bolan, Laurel

Braxton Byrd, Ovett

Hannah Byrd, State line

Gabrielle Capasso, Laurel     

Noah Carroll, Laurel

Sarah Dearmon, Waynesboro

Evelyn Dixon, Heidelberg

Holly Ensign, Laurel

Dallas Flowers, Laurel

Hope Houston, Laurel

Malachi Jordan, Laurel          

Peyton Shoemaker, Morton

Kally Elise Smith, Laurel

Zoe Vanderslice, Laurel

Aubriaunna Wells, Mendenhall

Charles Williams, Laurel

Daniel Baldwin, Laurel

Beckha Barnett, Magee

Bailey Brooks, Ellisville

Antarian Chapman, Hebron

Zion Cooper, Waynesboro

Grace Dickerson, Leakesville

Abigail Dorgan, Hattiesburg

Natalie Evans, Ellisville

Charity French, Pearl

Savannah Gatlin, Laurel

Tristen Goss, Pulaski

Molly Griffin, Ellisville

Sydney Klaire Ivy, Raleigh

Anna Grace Jolly, Laurel

Jayla Larry, Waynesboro

Kiandra Lopez, Laurel

Trent Mattern, Picayune

Micah McSwain, Laurel

Teyonna Millsap, Laurel

Dasia Newell, Laurel

Kylie Noland, Laurel

Ta’Nia Patrick Hattiesburg

Edna Perez-A., Morton

Ella Phillips, Hattiesburg

Jacey Posey, Ellisville

Jayla Powe, Waynesboro

Rustin Rounsaville, Ellisville

Alexandria Ruth, Laurel

Kailand Snow, Laurel

Isaiah Spradley, Laurel

Addie Thames, Petal

Heather Walters, Ellisville

Chloe White, Laurel

Matthew Wynn, Laurel

Ella Young, Laurel

Korey Rainey, Petal

Rosemary Hicks, Laurel

Emalee Herrin, Laurel

ELLISVILLE – Two of the six sophomore art majors, Lillian Barnett-Soso and Jordan Parker-Ellisville are displaying their award-winning artwork with recognition from the Mississippi Community College Art Instructor Association’s statewide student art show at the annual Sophomore Art Exhibit. Barnett and Parker, along with Zykeria Coleman-Laurel, Zoe Estacio-Laurel, Alyssa Mosely-Laurel, and Gracie Nichols-Laurel have several pieces of artwork currently on display at the Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery on the campus of Jones College in Ellisville, through May 2, 2025. The Sophomore Art Exhibit features a little bit of everything from the classes students have taken on campus including drawing and design to ceramics and painting. All the bases are covered according to Jones College Art instructor, Melanie Banks.

“I’m really proud of these graduates, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for them,” said Eubanks. “I hope the public takes the time to see their artwork.”

Jordan Parker of Ellisville earned first place honors at the Mississippi Community College Art Instructor Association’s statewide student art show. The South Jones High School graduate explained her printmaker poster was inspired from a 1950s poster she updated featuring her favorite current musicians for a concert appearance.

“I love oil painting, so this print piece is really out of my norm,” shared Jordan. “It was for an assignment and my least favorite genre of art so I was a little surprised I won!”

Parker said she’s been drawing since she could hold a pencil as a child. Her future plans include earning her bachelor’s degree from USM, working in a museum and continuing to create art.

Her classmate, Lillian Barnett of Soso, also earned honors at the statewide art show. Barnett received an Honorable Mention for her oil painting, “Worn Out” depicting a scooter needing repairs. The West Jones High School graduate explained her dad’s repair shop was the inspiration for her winning artwork.

“I’m very happy about placing in the MCCAIA competition; it feels good! The award also confirms my decision to become an art professor,” said Barnett, who also won 2nd place while in high school.

Northeast Jones High School graduate, Zykeria Coleman has several ink and pen drawings of still life on display. She explained that her inspiration comes from her self-determination to succeed with aspirations of inspiring others to succeed.

“A year ago, I didn’t think I could do what I love. With a little hard work and dedication, and support from my instructor, Mr. Brown, I’m going to earn my art degree and continue creating,” said Coleman.

She added that her grandfather’s love of art inspired her to pursue being an artist since he had to work instead of following his dreams of becoming an artist. Coleman plans to earn her art degree at William Carey University.

Also showing some of their favorite works, is Zoe Estacio whose artwork features her love of stuffed animals. The West Jones High School graduate’s brightly colored oil paintings reflect happiness through the eyes of children. She plans to get her B.F.A. from Mississippi State.

Additionally, Alyssa Mosely of Laurel enjoys using bright colors in her oil paintings and ink drawings which are her contributions to the Sophomore Art Exhibit. She focuses on drawing flowers and other still life objects in her work and has plans to earn her degree at USM.

Gracie Nichols dabbles in various forms of art including water color, ink, charcoal, and graphite. The West Jones High School graduate from Laurel plans to continue creating artwork in the future.

For more information about upcoming JC art shows or to arrange a visit to the gallery call 601-477-8401. The Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., and by appointment only on Wednesdays. The gallery is closed during the holidays. To learn more about the Jones College Art Department, https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/finearts/ or the JC Art Department’s social media: Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/JCJCFineArts/ and on Instagram @artatjonescollege.

ELLISVILLE –Four Jones College sophomore music students are inviting the public to hear their last solo performances before graduation.  Sophomores expected to perform are Logan Miller of Ellisville, Trey Daverson of Stringer, Johnna Nail of Morton and Zoe Payne of Quitman.

On Monday, April 7, at 7 p.m. in the M.P. Bush Fine Arts Auditorium, percussionist Logan Miller will take the stage performing on various instruments. He will be performing on the drum set, marimba, snare drum, timpani, vibraphone and xylophone. The JC Percussion Ensemble, JC Jazz Band with vocalist and JC grad, Emma Grantham will be assisting Miller during his sophomore recital.

The following Monday, April 14, at 7 p.m. in the Foote Chapel, trumpet players, Trey Daverson and Johnna Nail will join clarinetist, Zoe Payne.  Performing with Daverson will be the Trumpet Quartet consisting of Nathan Bower of Ellisville, Jonathan Roney of Ellisville and Johnna Nail of Morton. Additionally, Daverson will be using his Eb and Bb trumpets, and Flugelhorn for his recital. The Northwest Rankin High School graduate, Nail, will be joining Daverson during her recital for a duet performance with her Bb and Eb trumpet. She has been assisted by adjunct high brass instructor, Kyle Matthees while at Jones College.

Quitman’s Zoe Payne will be performing a duet with her JC woodwinds instructor, Susan Schuman during her portion of the sophomore recital. All three JC students will be accompanied by piano faculty, Dr. Theresa Sanchez.

The recitals are free and open to the public. These performances are a part of the sophomore music student’s degree requirements for Jones College. For more information about the JC music program or the sophomore recitals call the College of Arts, Music and Performance at 601-477-4203.

ELLISVILLE –Jones College art students filled the Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery for Nathan Mullins “Art Talk” as he shared his journey that led to his niche of sports portrait painting. The University of Southern Mississippi painting professor’s exhibit, “Play Ball” features images of Baseball’s superstars and interesting memories from Mullins youth, including images from Baseball Cards to live action images he remembers watching on TV. The recent exhibit on display on the college campus and his art talk is one avenue of showing students various forms of art. Also, it allows artists like Mullins the opportunity to help students explore ideas for creating art and learning about the different things that can be inspiring, like live sports action.

In April, Sophomore Art students at Jones College will have their work on display for the last art show in the Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery. The Annual Sophomore Art Exhibition will be open to the public beginning on Monday, April 7, through May 2.

For more information about upcoming JC art shows or to arrange a visit to the gallery call 601-477-8401. The Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., and by appointment only on Fridays. The gallery is closed during the holidays. To learn more about the Jones College Art Department, https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/finearts/ or the JC Art Department’s social media: Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/JCJCFineArts/ and on Instagram @artatjonescollege.