CELEBRATING THE 20TH SEASON OF MISSISSIPPI BOYCHOIR

2014-2015 marks the 20th Season of Mississippi, but the Boychoir tradition began fifteen centuries ago with boys singing in the great cathedrals of western Europe.  In the last twenty years, hundreds of musically talented young men have worked to develop vocal techniques, self-discipline, learn music in a variety of styles, and have fun singing!

Your Mississippi Boychoir has given its audiences unforgettable experiences that connect them with this 1,500-year-old boychoir tradition. 

CORE VALUES held by the Mississippi Boychoir:

  • Singing is basic to communication and enriches Mississippi’s community life.
  • Excellence in performance creates self-esteem and provides training for leadership.
  • Respect for others is essential for a successful community.
  • Early training in choir helps boys as adults to participate in the cultural life of communities.

Belief in these CORE VALUES creates a MISSION for the MBC to:

  • Identify boys with natural talent for singing, regardless of economic status, race, or previous vocal training
  • Provide boys with excellent training in musicianship
  • Enhance boys’ personal growth by requiring them to accept responsibility, develop self-discipline, and have respect for others
  • Schedule boys to perform in a variety of venues to showcase their talents and to broaden their horizons
  • Represent Mississippi inside and outside the state


2014-2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Lanise Aultman, President
Steve Clayton, Vice President
Shannon Warnock, Secretary
Jolee Moorer, Treasurer
Howard Ballou
Sherry Boyer
Kimberly D. Griffin
Mark Hamilton
Steven W. Jackson
Julius Ridgeway
Alana Robertson
Anne Turner, President, Parent Association
Ezra Wall
Donetta Weatherspoon, Jackson Parent Representative
 


ADVISORY BOARD
Harriet Kuykendall, President
Alex Alston
Diane Blankenhorn
Sen. John Horhn
Betty Lou Jones


STAFF
Lelon Thompson, Artistic Director
Michele Baker, Administrative Director
Caryn Womack, Assistant Director
Betty Jacobs, Choir Manager
Rosanne Jorgenson Smith, Concert Accompanist
Caleb Aultman, Accompanist

Margaret Ewing Thomas

Margaret Ewing Thomas

Mississippi owes a debt of gratitude to founding director Margaret Ewing Thomas, who envisioned and created Mississippi Boychoir in 1995.

Ms. Thomas holds degrees with Honors from Copiah-Lincoln Community College and Millsaps College, a Master of Arts in Music Education from William Carey College, and Level I Orff Certification from University of Memphis. She is a member of American Choral Director's Association (ACDA) and has taught vocal music at all age levels in schools, churches, and her private studio.  She resides in Hattiesburg.