ELLISVILLE – After two weeks of fine-tuning the musical and technical skills of the 180-member Jones College Typhoon Marching Band during band camp the first weeks of August, the band is eager to perform. The largest student organization on the Ellisville campus represents majors from every academic and technical program. Entertaining the crowds who gather to see the show continues to be the goal of every member of the Typhoon.
“I am very excited about this group!” said Director of Bands, Dr. Ben Burge. “Each fall I say that I am proud and that they work really hard, but there is truly something very special about this group of young adults! They have been extremely focused, extraordinarily kind, and have gone above and beyond in each and every task.”
Percussionists, dancers, and the colorguard arrived in late July to begin their training along with the student leadership. Freshman drum majors, Elisa Cook of Meridian and Chaz Welborn of Ellisville joined sophomore drum majors Braden Yarber of Ellisville and Hannah Latham of Sandersville this season. These student leaders assisted Burge, Associate Band Directors, Dr. Lindsey Keay and Dr. Josh Frans and Touch of Gold Choreographer, Lora Davis and Colorguard/Winterguard Director, Meredith Owen when the remaining band members arrived for pre-season camp routine on August 6. Every note and show step will be mastered before debuting the first football game-halftime show in Bobcat Stadium/Sim Cooley Field on Thursday, August 29. Bobcat fans will hear the traditional pregame show including the “JC Fight Song Fanfares,” the National Anthem, and other football stadium favorites like the “Hey Song” and the “JC Jam.” The Touch of Gold dance team will be featured during the pre-game show performing the Phil Collins pop hit, “Easy Lover.”
“Overall, I think the band students came in and were very productive,” said Lora Davis, the Touch of Gold Dance Choreographer for the last 33 years. “The dancers worked so well together, and we were able to knock out a lot of choreography. I’m always excited for alumni to see what each team brings to the field each season.”
The Typhoon will also debut a new look later this fall with newly designed uniforms reflecting the College’s new color launch, using cardinal, Vegas gold, and white colors. Additionally, the Touch of Gold and Colorguard will also be wearing custom costuming in the new color scheme.
“The students are very excited to perform in our new uniforms and I believe that the Jones Family will be very proud of the new look for the Typhoon in their new digs!” said Burge.
The halftime show production called, “Remix!” honors our campus slogan for the fall, “Embracing legacy, forging the future.” Musically, we are going to perform some of our favorite tunes from the last decade with selections from Daft Punk, Sheila E., Prince, and Lady Gaga. With one of the largest trumpet sections to march in JC history, the 27 trumpeters are putting out some serious sound.
“The band has had an incredible start to the fall with a camp full of fantastic work ethic, great attitudes, and excellent musicianship, despite the grueling heat conditions. We are so proud of what they have accomplished so far and are really looking forward to a fun and fulfilling season with our band family!” said Associate Director of Bands, Dr. Lindsey Keay.
Also, for the first time, Jones College will be hosting the USBANDS organization for the Southeastern Marching Showcase & Competition on Saturday, October 5, 2024. High School bands from throughout the Southeast will be on campus competing for regional accolades. The Typhoon will be the exhibition band at the event and will be working with Laurel High School to co-host this event.
“USBANDS has been fundamental in the promotion of the marching arts since 1988. Having them in south Mississippi and providing the expert level judging panel for our area students is really exciting,” said Burge. “This will be an excellent opportunity for the public to see regional high school musicians performing and executing remarkable shows.”
USBands has supported the development of scholastic performing ensembles through exceptional service, high quality adjudication and world class venues. Over the past 35 years, USBands has expanded to include thousands of bands in 150+ marching band, indoor and concert band events nationwide including local high school bands like South Jones in Ellisville, which has won first place in these competitions. For more information about this event or the Jones College Marching Band, email ben.burge@jcjc.edu or click on the link to the JC College of Art, Music and Performance, https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/finearts/
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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 (ADA/ Section 504) ADA Coordinator, Terrell Tisdale Library, phone 601-477-2673, and (Title IX) Title IX Coordinator, Hutcheson Hubbard Administration Building, phone 601-477-4127, have been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding the non-discrimination policies. Jones County Junior College, 900 South Court Street, Ellisville, MS 39437.