By Kennedi Drake
The USM school of music recently hosted its 2nd annual Pops in the Park performance for a good cause.
The event was a joint venture between the School of Music and Partners for the Arts organization to help fundraise and support musical arts on USM’s Hattiesburg campus. Performances included a steel pan orchestra and symphonic winds. Businesses were showcased along with comradery of students, adults, and children. One audience member was particularly touched by the performance.
“My experience at the event influenced my growth as a musician and educator,” said a school of music graduate assistant. “Seeing the diversity of instruments convinced me to add different musical styles in my teaching.”
The event even included free admission. The show began with the Southern Miss Steel Pan orchestra. The artists have 50-gallon drums that they tuned to create different sounds. A variety of music was played such as Caribbean, rock, and original pieces.
The Symphonic winds were the main highlight of the musical evening. This group contains multiple USM undergraduate students and most of them participate in The Pride of Mississippi Marching Band. Some of the student’s study music to deepen their understanding of how to serenade an audience. This group played tunes of patriotic, marches, pop, classical music, and a trumpet trio. A voice soloist also performed popular movie soundtracks such as “Somewhere over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland with the symphonic orchestra.
Dr. Colin McKenzie, the director of the School of Music, said the organization was inspired to begin this event to reach a broader community. He explains that everyone wanted something different than their usual events in Bennett Auditorium and Pops in the Park did just that.
“Having the opportunity to direct the band means the world to me,” said Dr. McKenzie. “I know students are probably feeling the pressure to succeed and hearing music along with our soloist’s beautiful vocals should ease those stressors.”
A school of music graduate assistant, Daniel Broadus coordinated the equipment set up and replaced it for the symphonic winds. Broadus was also in charge of the slide show depicted on a large screen.
Broadus admitted that the steel pan orchestra did a fabulous job at bringing outside interest to the event. According to Broadus, the attendance was double that of last year and he could easily see noticeable support from the community.
Broadus is a music major who assists heavily with The Pride of Mississippi Marching band. Pedestrians stopped with faces of enjoyment to see each performance.
Not only did the event include melodies that audience members enjoyed but it even benefited a student’s business. Ni’Riyah Bell took the opportunity to showcase her artistry by offering face paintings and displays of her artwork.
“Every time I see a well-known student organization, I try to bring enjoyment to everyone by sharing my artwork,” said Bell. “The funniest moment was painting a clown mask on faces and watching their smiles while the extremely talented vocalist sang.”
For more information about the School of Music or their upcoming performances, visit the USM School of Music website.
