May 5, 2025
The Ethel Holden Brownstone Canter for the Arts at Pearl River Community College came alive with a spirited mix of popular hits, jazzy sounds, and instrumental tunes, offering an elegant atmosphere for the students’ final performances of the year. The Symphonic Band concert was held on Thursday, April 10; JazzCats held their concert on Tuesday, April 15; and Spring Pops, featuring all four PRCC vocal groups, was held on Tuesday, April 22.
Symphonic Band
The Symphonic Band performed a variety of instrumental pieces under the direction of Director of Bands and Instructor of Music Michael Bass and Instructor of Music/Assistant Band Director Jerry Pickering. Wood paneling along the top of the stage reflected the vibrant sound out to the audience. Selected pieces included ‘Quicksilver’ by William Owens, ‘American Barndance’ by Richard Saucedo, ‘Yorkshire Ballad’ by James Barnes, ‘Viva!’ By Jack Wilds, ‘Shenandoah’ arr. By Robert Sheldon, ‘Prelude and Passages’ by Roland Barrett, and ‘Duke Ellington in Concert’ arr. by Paul Murtha.
A saxophone quartet shone with their performance of ‘Ghibli Remix’ arranged by H. Takahashi. The remix featured several music selections from well-known films. Quartet members included Tyler Palavicini (Soprano Sax). Haven O’Neal (Alto Sax), Brandon Dufrene (Tenor Sax), and Brandon Smith (Bari Sax.)
Takyraah Bumpers is a sophomore at The River and a member of the PRCC Singers. She attended the concert with several vocal group members.
“I really liked the Studio Ghibli medley,” said Bumpers. “I love the films and enjoyed hearing the music tonight.”
Three selections were performed by the Honors Brass Quartet: ‘Latinette’ by Harold Walters, ‘Pavane and Rondo’ by Tilman Susato, and ‘Way Down Yonder In New Orleans’ arranged by Jack Gale. Members of the quartet were Michael Bass (Trumpet), Anthony Yanez (Trumpet), Sam Cerniglia (Trombone), and Byron Expose (Tuba & Euphonium).
“These young adults have put in tremendous effort this semester to perform this music with outstanding quality,” said Bass. “Even with limited rehearsal time, they worked diligently on their parts to bring a wonderful and diverse concert to life. We’re incredibly proud of how much they’ve grown this semester!”
Amanda Bilbo of Picayune came to the concert with her family and friends. She attended Pearl River years ago, playing the flute in the band.
“I really enjoyed the music selection tonight and could tell it was well rehearsed,” said Bilbo. “I appreciated the variety and American pieces, especially ‘Shenandoah’. ”
JazzCats
PRCC’s jazz band, under the direction of Bass and Assistant Band Director/Instructor Of Music/Brownstone Technical Director Dr. Andrew Gilstrap, delighted the audience with an eclectic selection for the evening.
Selections for the evening included ‘Toe Tapper’ by Paul Clark, ‘Tuxedo Junction’ arranged by Steve Wright, ‘If I Gave My Heart’ by Kris Berg, ‘Kaleidoscope’ by Erik Morales, ‘Green Onions’ arranged by Roger Holmes, ‘I’m Yours’ by Bryan Kidd, ‘The Sermon’ by Erik Morales, ‘Carnival’ by David Samuel, ‘My Foolish Heart’ arranged by Alan Baylock, ‘Vehicle’ arranged by Paul Jennings, and ‘Birdland’ arranged by Victor Lopez.
Soloists for the evening included Hope Bass, Michael Bass, Sam Cerniglia, Valeria Delgado, Brandon Dufrene, Byron Expose, Dr. Gilstrap, Kelton Jones, Bryson Malpass, Tyler Palavicini, Frank Peterson, and Anthony Yanez.
“We are extremely proud of the JazzCats this year,” said Michael Bass. “They have risen to and exceeded the challenge presented to them! They have developed into a first-rate ensemble and have represented the college well — both in their presentation of their concert here in the Brownstone Performing Arts Center and their performances at area high schools throughout the year.
“We appreciate their dedication and hard work to make this happen. We’re looking forward to another great year next year!”
Chloe Hopperdietzel of Picayune came to support her boyfriend, Andrew Stones, who plays drums.
“I thought it was phenomenal!” said Hopperdietzel. “The dynamics were great. Everyone was very in tune with each other.
“I really liked ‘I’m Yours’ by Bryan Kidd and ‘Carnival’ as it is a fun piece.”
Spring Pops
PRCC Singers is an auditioned choral ensemble that includes all members of The Voices, Currents, and Rapids. They opened the Spring Pops concert with a grouping of familiar musical selections including ‘Somewhere’ from West Side Story, ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ from the musical by the same name, and ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’ from Hairspray with Devin Jones, Madison Mims, Meredith Poole, and Caryln White as soloists. The group also performed ‘Part of Me’ by Matt Riley featuring Chloe Albert, Blakely Byrd, Hailey Cronin, Rio Dufrene, Delta Howard, Cole Lucas, Jack Moeller, Tynesha Sibley, and Jayda Snow as soloists.
Rapids, an advanced tenor/bass ensemble, performed ‘Let Her Go’ by Passenger, ‘Runaround Sue’ by Dion, and ‘Diamonds’ by Sam Smith. Soloists included Wyatt Barletter, Nathan Carr, Lucas, and Lucas Stringer.
Currents, an advanced treble ensemble, performed ‘Say a Little Prayer’ by Dionne Warwick, ‘I Love Me’ by Demi Lovato, ‘Sugar’ by Maroon, ‘Coffee’ by Tori Kelly, ‘Gonna Be Me’ by NSYNC, and ‘Y’ by Citizen Queen. Soloists included Albert, Rylee Brister, Byrd, Grace Hester, Jolie Holcomb, and Tynesha Sibley.
Their final song of the evening, ‘Smart Iowa’ by Trousdale, was recently released on streaming services including Spotify and Apple Music, featuring Brister, Byrd, and Anna Grace Culbreth as soloists. The selection was part of their set for the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA) Quarterfinal competition hosted at Pearl River in February.
The Voices performed ‘When She Loved Me’ by Sarah McLachland with Howard as soloist, ‘I’m Tired/Symptom of Life’ by Willow with Georgia Anne Blackwell, Jones, Mims, and Lucy Spiers as soloists, ‘It Was Always You’ by Maroon with Moeller as soloist, and ‘Out My Way’ by Leroy Sanchez with Jones as soloist.
The evening ended with The Voices’ performance of ‘Creep’ by Radiohead with Mims as soloist. The group has recorded this and a few other selections from their 2024-2025 repertoire to be released soon.
“Spring Pops was a wonderful way to end a great year with a special group of students and musicians,” said Director of Choral Groups Dr. LaDona Tyson. “I am inspired each day by their work ethic, dedication, and care for one another. It has been a fantastic year!”
Debbie Evans of Lumberton came with her husband to hear their son Nathan perform with PRCC Singers.
“The concert was very good,” said Evans. “I really enjoyed their performance of ‘Somewhere’ and ‘Little Shop of Horrors’. I look forward to attending future student concerts.”
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 Johnson, Laura O’Neill and River Roderick.
