OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi Chorus and Orchestra and the Oxford Civic Chorus are bringing the community together for “A Veterans Day Concert Salute” to honor the nation’s veterans.
The concert, which is free and open to the public, is set for 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11, which is Veterans Day, at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts. The event provides an opportunity to show appreciation to all military servicemen and servicewomen, said Don Trott, UM director of choral activities.
“I think it is important to offer this program on Veterans Day, as the nation steps back to pay tribute to these wonderful soldiers who have sacrificed for our freedom in so many ways,” Trott said. “Our concert will be full of enjoyable, traditional patriotic music and have recognition for our local veterans.”
Trott and the organizers are looking for photos of local veterans to use in a “Scroll of Honor” that will be featured during the concert. Members of the Lafayette-Oxford-University community are encouraged to send pictures of their friends and loved ones who are veterans, along with the veteran’s name, rank and branch of service, to Trott at dtrott@olemiss.edu.
Trott is producing the event with help from Elizabeth Hearn, assistant professor of choral music, and Selim Giray, associate professor of music. Trott also brought in Michael Barnett, chair of the Department of Theatre and Film, to assist with the narration.
Andrew Newby, assistant director of veterans and military services, and Justin Stearns, associate professor of naval science, are working with Trott to coordinate the event with Ole Miss military organizations.
“One can never thank our veterans enough for their service,” Trott said. “I hope Nov. 11 offers the audience a time to reflect on the value of our freedom so wonderfully protected by our current men and women in uniform and by all of our veterans.”
For more information about the concert or veteran’s photo submissions, contact Trott at 662-832-8631 or dtrott@olemiss.edu.