After 100 Years: Still Making a Joyful Noise

UM Jazz Ensemble celebrating centennial anniversary with Dec. 8 concert in Natchez

OXFORD, Miss. – What do Reader’s Digest, the Lincoln Memorial and the University of Mississippi Jazz Ensemble have in common? They each turned 100 in 2022. The UM Jazz Ensemble will celebrate its centennial with a special performance Thursday (Dec. 8) during the Mississippi Band Directors Association State Band Clinic in the Natchez Convention Center.Read the story …

Dawn of New Era in the Arts at the University

New institute shines a light on creative arts on campus and beyond

OXFORD, Miss. – Pianist Bruce Levingston and special guest artists will give the first performance in celebration of the University of Mississippi Institute for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. Thursday (Sept. 22) in the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts. Levingston and other distinguished artists are honoring the new organization being created toRead the story …

Music Professor Honored as Musical Icon in Ghana

George W.K. Dor lauded for contributions to Ghanaian music and culture

OXFORD, Miss. – This summer, George Worlasi Kwasi Dor visited his home country of Ghana as a renowned music professor at the University of Mississippi. He returned as an icon. The University of Ghana’s School of Performing Arts named Dor an Iconic Composer of Ghanaian Art Music. Additionally, the school declared him a Distinguished ContributorRead the story …

World Championship Old Time Piano Playing Contest, Festival Returns

Annual event's 46th season May 26-29 at UM, Oxford venues

OXFORD, Miss. – After going virtual the past two years, the 46th annual World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest and Festival returns to an in-person format next weekend in Oxford and at the University of Mississippi. Events are set for May 26-29 at the Old Armory Pavilion on University Avenue and in Nutt Auditorium onRead the story …

UM Band Getting Bigger, Better Practice Field

Chancellor Glenn Boyce announces $3.5 million commitment from the university, donors

OXFORD, Miss. – Seeking to expand and improve outdoor rehearsal conditions, the University of Mississippi is committing $3.5 million to build a bigger, better practice field for its award-winning Pride of the South marching band. Chancellor Glenn Boyce made the announcement late Wednesday (April 27) afternoon at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the PerformingRead the story …

Memphis Symphony Orchestra and Chorus Team with UM Choirs for Concert

Ford Center production features Beethoven's Ninth, 'Ode to Joy'

OXFORD, Miss. – An elegant evening of classical music awaits Friday (March 25) at the University of Mississippi‘s Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts. The UM Choirs, under the direction of Donald Trott and Elizabeth Hearn, will join with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and Memphis Symphony Chorus to perform Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9Read the story …

Jim Weatherly to Posthumously Receive Inaugural UM Medal for the Arts

Alumnus to be recognized for his songwriting contributions April 21 at Ford Center

OXFORD, Miss. – The late renowned songwriter and University of Mississippi alumnus Jim Weatherly will be honored with the university’s inaugural Medal for the Arts in an April 21 presentation on campus. In partnership with the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and the College of Liberal Arts, the UM Department of Music will recognize Weatherly’s legacyRead the story …

Overstreet Champions Band, Accountancy with Major Gift

Donation to help renovate Pride of the South practice facilities, build new home for Patterson School

OXFORD, Miss. – On a breezy Friday afternoon, the University of Mississippi‘s Pride of the South marching band members finished the day’s rehearsal and then gathered close to shout in unison: “Thank you, Helen!” Watching the students from a hill nearby, Helen Overstreet beamed in response. The 1981 UM alumna and avid band fan hasRead the story …

Holiday Concert Returns to the Ford Center

UM Chorus joined by Symphony, Jazz Ensemble and Steel Drums for Friday show

OXFORD, Miss. – For some, the holiday season doesn’t even begin until the University of Mississippi Department of Music hosts its annual Holiday Concert. Olivia Huey, a pianist from Pontotoc working toward her master’s degree in music education, said it’s one of her favorite concerts of the year. “The Holiday Concert is one I savorRead the story …

Alumni Return Home to Perform in ‘The Light in the Piazza’

Cast members give students an up-close look at the lives of professional performers

OXFORD, Miss. – Several University of Mississippi alumni have returned to campus to lend their expertise, talent and guidance to students by working with the Department of Music on the upcoming UM Opera Theatre production of “The Light in the Piazza.” Mary Donnelly Haskell and Calvin Ellis, who both earned degrees in music education, willRead the story …