PRCC Spring Variety Show delights audience and recognizes students

PRCC Singers with Mrs Bass at piano at Spring Variety Show Feb 2022

A Tuesday night in late February found music lovers gathered at the Brownstone Center for the Arts for the Spring Variety Show. The PRCC Singers and The Voices were the main attractions for the evening with a short break for recognition of students. 

The show both opened and closed with three songs performed by the PRCC Singers. Between those large group selections, several pieces were performed by smaller student groups who had to audition for a spot on the program.  

Along with vocal talent, a few students incorporated instrumental performances.

This included a duet with student Alaysia Roberts on violin with Mrs. Hope Bass playing piano for “For the Beauty of the Earth” arrangement by Rickey Valadez.

Alaysia Roberts performs while Mrs Hope Bass plays piano

Justin Wakeland and Micayla Jefferson performed the song “Shallow” by Stefani Germanotta. 

Justin wakeland and Micayla Jefferson perform Shallow with Dr Tyson on piano

Jonathan Freeman played guitar for several selections with different students singing the pieces “I’ve Got This Friend” by The Civil Wars, “Destination” by Nickel Creek, and “Flower Shops” by ERNEST.

Sam Miller Noah Hartfield and Jonathan Freeman on guitar perform Flower Shops at Spring Variety Show 2022

Additionally, Nicholas Williams tickled the ivories for “Landslide” by Stevie Nicks with Taryn Monroe, Belle Moeller, and Mallorie Saucier joining him on vocals. 

Nicolas Williams plays piano while Taryn Monroe Mallorie Saucier and Belle Moeller sing Landslide Spring Variety Show 2022

Attendees of the Spring Variety Show were able to hear The Voices perform “Hard Times” arranged by Jon Smith, one of the selections they sang at the American Choral Directors Association's Southern Region Conference in Raliegh, North Carolina. 

The Voices perform Hard Times at Spring Variety Show 2022

The evening’s selections ended with “Stand Up” arranged by Roger Emerson for the movie “Harriet.” Students Joseph Mchenry and Kajira Myers had solos during the piece. 

STUDENT RECOGNITION 

Along with the music, attendees learned about the 20/40/60 Challenge that students and faculty did from October 1 to February 1. The challenge was conceived and run by Dr. LaDona Tyson, Director of Choral Groups at PRCC, and Dr. Trevor Hunt, Director of the Brownstone Center for the Arts. Tasks include daily reading, healthy eating, exercise, water in-take, a social media post with #204060challenge in the caption, and daily practice of choir music.  

While many began the challenge, few completed it. Students recognized for doing 20 consecutive days are Audrey Bolin, Charlie Byrd, Miranda Dixon, Jonathan Freeman, Brooke Jamison, and Jenna Morrison. Two students, Gracie Jones and Sam Miller, completed 40 days. And five students, Anna Resse Arroyo, Micayla Jefferson, Garret Rester, Brooke Stuart, and Justin Wakeland, completed 60 days.  

Wakeland is a Hattiesburg resident and freshman this year. He found the challenge a struggle at times, but he was determined to dust himself off and keep going to reach the 60 consecutive days. “The challenge helped me with my health and with my work as it helped me create a schedule of things I needed to do.” 

A Brooklyn resident and freshman PRCC student, Jefferson is continuing with aspects of the challenge. “I’ve kept the regular music practice and a few of the other things while adding other items to fit my goals. Daily reading was not something I liked, although the book “The Code. The Evaluation. The Protocols: Striving to Become an Eminently Qualified Human” by Jocko Willink did resonate with me on the topics of leadership and survival.” 

As part of the 20/40/60 Challenge, the PRCC Singers voted on a charity to support. They collected over $500 plus additional donations for the Hope Clinic in Hattiesburg. 

Tyson also presented the new Heart and Soul Award to a member of the PRCC Singers. This year’s recipient, Kajira Myers, is a shining example of a dependable, hardworking student who always comes to choir with a smile on her face. 

Kajira Myers expresses her joy at receiving the inaugral Heart and Soul Award at Spring variety show 2022

“The inaugural Heart and Soul Award was given to Kajira Myers in recognition of her outstanding attitude and work ethic in choir each day,” said Tyson.  “She promotes teamwork, diligence, and joy each day and I wanted to recognize that.   

“We talk a lot about being good humans BEFORE being a good musician, and she exemplifies this ideal.” 

UPCOMING EVENTS 

April will offer several opportunities to enjoy performances by students at PRCC. 

The Little Mermaid — April 7 & 8 at 7 p.m.; April 9 at 2 p.m. 
Wind Ensemble & Concert Band — April 12 at 7 p.m. 
JazzCats & The Voices — April 21 at 7 p.m. 

Tickets for each event can be purchased at prcc.edu/brownstone/events or by calling 601-403-1180. Purchases are for assigned seats chosen at the time of purchase. A discount is given for groups of 11 or more tickets. 

For more information about safety protocols in place at PRCC, please visit prcc.edu/coronavirus

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

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.