Northwest News

Northwest Singers present "A Place to Call Home"
by LaJuan Tallo
4/3/2006
The Northwest Mississippi Community College Singers will present " A Place to Call Home" on Thursday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Fine Arts Auditorium on the Senatobia campus. Admission is free to the public.

The group is under the direction of Susanne VanDyke, director of choral activities. The group's pianist is Saundra Bishop, music instructor, and bass, harmonica and guitar will also be included on some pieces.

VanDyke chose the theme for the concert after reflecting on the state's recovery from Hurricane Katrina. "I began to think of how important home is to all of us. Sometimes when you go to college, you have to find a new version of 'home.' Whether its a group of friends, a choir, or other college activity, everyone needs to feel a sense of belonging," VanDyke said.

According to VanDyke, the concert will feature songs about different kinds of homes, including "Home on the Range" with harmonica and bass accompaniment, "Homeland" based on a theme from "The Planets" by Gustav Holst, which will feature sign language by Laura McDonald, of Olive Branch, as well as traditional spirituals that speak of a "spiritual" home.

VanDyke also plans several special pieces during the concert. "So many of our choir members are talented in their own right, and take leadership roles in groups across campus, I thought it would be interesting to 'showcase' a few of them. From an original song written by choir member Zach Hardy, to family members who sing together in the group, to SOUL Club choir leaders-- all of them are members of the Singers," she said.

VanDyke also noted that Howard Luttrell, assistant director of bands at Northwest, has organized a brass ensemble made up of Fine Arts students, that will perform a pre-concert on stage.

Members of the Singers are: Jenny Schultz, Brandi Sharpe, Chris Wallace, Zach Hardy, and Chelsi Johnson, all of Hernando; Lauren Kirkman, Emily Reeves, Michael Starkey, and Nick Demari, all of Southaven; Kayla Maddox, Laura McDonald, Rod Perry and Cedric Sharp, all of Olive Branch; Jennifer Burchfield, Valeria Hanks, Rachael Herron, Darnecia Lester, Julie Moore and Heather Woodard, all of Batesville; Takesha Clark, Lindsey Wilbanks, and Joseph Abrams, all of Byhalia; Cassondra Taylor and Dee Wilson of Columbus; Jordan and Johanna Becker of Arkabutla; Clay Mangrum of Sarah, Melissa Hadskey of Senatobia, Corey Williams of Coldwater; Nicole Sturgis of Pope; Anita Morgan of Enid; Bobbie Lyons of Water Valley, Joseph Brown of Coffeeville, LaTriece Martin of Holly Springs, Patrick Hoyle of Ashland; Zach Magee of Seminary; Casey Knowles of Tupelo; Jerri Fountain of Kosciusko; David Harmon of Winona, Jay Hamilton of Marks; Cate Hitchcock of Greenville, Cassie Bradshaw of Carollton, and Cole Howell of Munford, Tenn.

For more information contact the Fine Arts Division at (662) 562-3337.