Music Meets Milestones: PRCC Hosts MSO and Celebrates Fine Arts Hall of Fame Honorees

October 2, 2024

The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra (MSO) returned to one of their favorite stages in the state found at Pearl River Community College’s Ethel Holden Brownstone Center for the Arts. The concert held on Tuesday, October 1 was well received by community members and students alike. 

Symphony orchestra sit on a stage with wooden panels.
Mississippi Symphony Orchestra. Photo by Lauren P. Johnson.

Prior to the concert, attendees were welcomed with a lovely reception spread in the lobby celebrating the Fine Arts Hall of Fame inductees, Dr. Walter Gipson and Allen Michael Grace. Biographical information about each honoree was given at the start of the evening’s concert with images placed on the screens flanking the stage. 

Three men in suit jackets stand with arms crossed at their waist. A step and repeat with Brownstone Center for the Arts on it is behind them.
Dr. Trevor Hunt, Dr. Walter Gipson, and Archie Rawls. Photo by Lauren P. Johnson.

“Last night, we kicked off our 11th season in grand fashion, celebrating the incredible performance by the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and welcoming two new inductees to the Fine Arts and Communications Hall of Fame, Dr. Walter Gipson and Allen Grace,” said Dr. Trevor Hunt, Fine Arts and Communications Department Chair and Director of the Brownstone Center for the Arts. “It was a perfect evening, honoring both the legacy of our center and the vibrant artistic community that continues to grow here.” 

Attendees were treated to a blend of selections from musicals and movies, as well as others that were familiar and possibly a few less familiar ones. 

The evening kicked off with An Overture to a Pops Concert by Henry Mancini, immediately followed by favorites from Andrew Llyod Weber’s Phantom of the Opera before moving into a trilogy of selections by Leroy Anderson featuring a trumpet solo by David Sagara and a trumpet spotlight with Sagara, Sebastian Martinex, and Ben Bullock. 

The MSO Trumpet section showcased in a Leroy Anderson piece. Photo by Laura O’Neill.

After intermission, the concert continued with familiar melodies from West Side Story, the beloved song Memory from Cats, songs from the movies Lincoln and Twilight, and Shaker Hymn from Appalachian Spring. The evening ended on a patriotic note with John Philip Sousa’s Liberty Bell March and Stars and Stripes Forever with the iconic piccolo played by Cheri Waite. 

Jane Gill of Poplarville attended the concert with several family members.  

“The concert was wonderful,” said Gill. “We always enjoy the productions at the Brownstone and hope to come back soon.” 

Dozens of current PRCC students were making notes during the concert as part of their Music Appreciation course, including freshman theater major Connor Graham. 

“Tonight was my first time hearing an orchestra in person,” said Graham. “It was an amazing experience – far better than listening to a recording in class. As a theater major, I really enjoyed the Phantom of the Opera selections.”  

2024 Fine Arts Hall of Fame Recipients

Dr. Walter Gipson graduated from Picayune Memorial High School in 1984 and attended Pearl River Junior College (PRJC) from 1984 until the spring of 1986. During his time at The River, he actively participated in the band program under the direction of Archie Rawls, forging many friendships and gaining valuable experiences.   

Dr. Walter Gibson wears a suit jacket and stands in front of a step and repeat with the Brownstone Center for the Arts logo.
Dr. Walter Gipson. Photo by Lauren P. Johnson.

Former Band Director Archie Rawls recruited Gipson from Picayune Memorial High School where he was one of the top trumpet players. 

“I was happy when he decided to come to Pearl River,” said Rawls. “I was just so blessed to have had the opportunity to have him in my band. He was a bit of a jokester, always a big smile and always, always pulling a prank or telling you a joke, but I have wonderful memories. 

“The real reward for an educator is to see your students going on to succeed and to have those relationships with those students those last years.” 

After earning his associate degree, Dr. Gipson graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) and subsequently attended medical school at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMC) in Jackson, MS. He completed a residency in Family Medicine and returned to his hometown of Picayune, MS, where he embraced his goal of becoming what he affectionately called a “dumb ol’ country doc.”   

Dr. Gipson’s patients valued his practical approach to their care and his approachable demeanor, which contributed to the success of his medical practice. In addition to his work as a family medicine physician at Crosby Hospital in Picayune, Dr. Gipson served as the Pearl River County Coroner for many years.  

He raised his family in Picayune and enjoys living just outside of town, where he finds pleasure in mowing his own lawn. 

Dr. Gipson was surprised when he received the call about being chosen for this year’s Fine Arts Hall of Fame.  

“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized,” said Dr. Gipson. “Pearl River holds a special place in my heart. I experienced many good times and have continued several of the friendships made here. 

“I highly recommend the college as the quality of education you receive is fantastic.”  

Originally from New Orleans, Allen Michael Grace relocated to Sumrall, Mississippi, in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina. He attended Sumrall Middle School, where he brought his musical talents to the Spirit of Sumrall Marching Band. After moving to Hattiesburg, he graduated from Hattiesburg High, where he served as trombonist and drum major for the Tiger Marching Band. In 2009, he led the Mississippi Lions All-State Band as drum major, which won first place at the International Lions Parade in Minnesota. 

Grace attended Pearl River Community College from 2010 to 2013, actively participating in various ensembles, including Concert Band, Jazz Cats, and the Spirit of the River Marching Band, where he served as drum major. While he started as a music major, Grace shifted gears to pursue a career in law enforcement.  

“Allen was a very conscientious student who always worked hard and was involved in everything,” said PRCC Director of Bands Mike Bass.   

Grace recalls a very special moment from his time with The Spirit of the River Band. 

“I lead the marching band as drum major in the presidential inauguration parade in 2013,” said Grace. “It was an honor for our band and college to be selected to represent the State of Mississippi for this historic event.” 

In 2014, Grace began his new career with the Hattiesburg Police Department, graduating from the Police Academy and serving in the Uniform Patrol Division. He joined the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol in 2018, earning received awards for Most Felony Arrests and in 2020 was nominated for Trooper of the Year.  

In 2022, Grace relocated to Ohio and, in 2024, completed the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy. He now serves as a State Trooper for the Ohio State Highway Patrol. 

“I am extremely humbled and honored by this recognition,” said Grace. “With the grace of our Lord and Savior, dedicated music teachers within PRCC, and support from loving family and friends, I was able to achieve such a reward. 

“PRCC helped to mold me into the young man I am today by life lessons, educational experiences, genuine support, and a loving culture that you can find within the walls and halls of The River.” 

See More Photos from the Magical Evening

Brownstone Schedule

Three more events are scheduled for the fall semester.  
 
Aca-Fest — November 15 at 6 p.m.  
Holiday Pops — November 21 at 7 p.m.  
The Nutcracker — December 7 at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. and December 8 at 2 p.m. 

Tickets for each event can be purchased at prcc.edu/brownstone/upcoming-events/ or by calling 601-403-1180.   

For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats), Instagram (PRCCWILDCATS), Facebook (@PRCCMKTG), and TikTok (@prcc_wildcats).

Article by Laura O’Neill. Photography by Lauren P. Johnson and Laura O’Neill. Photo of Mr. Allen Grace supplied by him.

Each community college president is asked to bring two (2) wrapped door prizes, minimum value of $50 each. We will have a station set up at the conference for you to drop off the door prizes.

Each community college is asked to provide name tags for their Board members, administration, and staff attending the conference.