Mississippi Bandmasters Association Wind Ensemble Program 2025

THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

WIND ENSEMBLE

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2025

NATCHEZ CONVENTION CENTER

NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI

SOUTHERN MISS SCHOOL OF Music

The School of Music family at The University of Southern Mississippi enjoys a friendly and beautiful campus in a vibrant community. Our students and faculty work together to develop as people and musicians, striving for excellence in all areas. An education with us is accessible and affordable, yet the community you build, memories you make, and growth you experience will be priceless.

Students who major in music live, work and play in an environment of talented peers and professors who are creative and passionate about pursuing a successful musical future. The School of Music offers a comprehensive music program of more than 400 majors with dedicated faculty members on every instrument and voice. It presents more than 300 recitals, concerts, performances and lectures annually in nearly every genre. The curriculum focuses on training musicians and placing our graduates into competitive jobs and graduate programs.

The School of Music facilities reside in two buildings that provide our students with state-of-the-art classrooms and equipment, four major rehearsal halls, two dedicated chamber music rehearsal rooms, a computer lab, eight sound isolation practice rooms with VAE technology, a student common area, 53 practice rooms, and faculty offices and studios. They also contain our four primary performance venues: a 200-seat recital hall, Marsh Hall Auditorium; the 70-seat, cafe-style intimate venue, Intermezzo @ Woods Gallery Stage; the 740-seat proscenium stage, Mannoni Performing Arts Center Auditorium, and the historic 1,000-seat Bennett Auditorium;

The University of Southern Mississippi is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.

Scan code to learn more!

OFFICE

OF THE PRESIDENT

118 College Drive #5001 | Hattiesburg, MS 39406

601.266.5001 | usm.edu

November 4, 2025

Colleagues, Patrons and Friends,

It is a true pleasure to welcome you to this performance of The University of Southern Mississippi Wind Ensemble, presented as part of the 2025 Mississippi Bandmasters Convention. We are honored to be part of this celebration of musical artistry, education, and community that brings together so many of Mississippi’s finest musicians and educators.

The Mississippi Bandmasters Association represents the very best of what can happen when passion for music meets a commitment to teaching. Its mission to promote and support the musical education of students throughout our state aligns beautifully with the core values of The University of Southern Mississippi: to foster creativity, lifelong learning, and leadership that enriches lives and strengthens communities.

The Bandmasters Convention showcases not only exceptional talent, but also the spirit of collaboration that defines Mississippi’s music educators. I am proud of all of our graduates who are leading music programs in schools and communities across the state, shaping the next generation of artists and educators. Their success is a proud reminder of the enduring impact of this University and the transformative power of music.

On behalf of the entire Southern Miss family, I extend a warm welcome to each of you. Thank you for your dedication to your students, your support of the arts, and your ongoing contributions to the cultural vitality of our state. I hope this conference renews your sense of inspiration and reminds you why what you do truly matters.

With best wishes for an unforgettable conference,

Joseph S. Paul, Ph.D. President

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

118 College Drive #5004 | Hattiesburg, MS 39406

Phone: 601.266.4315 | chris.winstead@usm.edu | www.usm.edu

December 1, 2025

It is my great honor, on behalf of the College of Arts and Sciences, to welcome you to this performance by The University of Southern Mississippi Wind Ensemble, presented as part of the 2025 Mississippi Bandmasters Convention. This gathering of Mississippi’s finest student musicians and their directors stands as a testament to the remarkable strength of music education across our state.

The Mississippi Bandmasters Association has long been a cornerstone in cultivating excellence among young musicians. Through its mission to promote and support music education, the Association provides invaluable opportunities for students to develop their artistry, discipline, and leadership. The dedication of our state’s band directors, and the energy and talent of their students, continue to inspire all of us who believe in the transformative power of music.

We in the College of Arts and Sciences take immense pride in our School of Music, one of the University’s flagship programs and a source of enduring artistic distinction for Southern Miss. Its faculty and students uphold the highest standards of musical and academic achievement, and its alumni lead ensembles and programs throughout Mississippi and far beyond. The fact that every featured ensemble in this year’s convention is directed by a Southern Miss graduate speaks volumes about the lasting influence of this extraordinary School.

As you enjoy tonight’s performance and the many events of this week, I hope you are reminded of how vital music is, not only to our schools, but to the cultural and civic life of our entire state. Thank you for your commitment to your students, your communities, and to the enduring tradition of music education in Mississippi.

Sincerely,

Dr. Chris Winstead Dean, College of Arts and Sciences

SCHOOL OF MUSIC

118 College Drive #5081 | Hattiesburg, MS 39406

Phone: 601.266.5543 | music@usm.edu | www.usm.edu/music

December 1, 2025

Welcome to this exciting performance by The University of Southern Mississippi Wind Ensemble as part of the 2025 Mississippi Bandmasters Convention. It is truly a privilege to share in this celebration of musical excellence, education, and community.

The Mississippi Bandmasters Association plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of musicians and leaders across our state. Through its mission to promote and support the musical education of students in Mississippi’s elementary, middle, and high schools, the Bandmasters organization provides transformative opportunities for Mississippi student musicians every day. From concert and marching festivals to the annual band clinic featuring world-class guest conductors, the MBA’s impact on music education in Mississippi is profound and we are honored to be part of it.

This convention represents the very best of what music can do: it brings together our state’s immensely talented people for a time of performance, learning, and inspiration. It is a time for sharing ideas, building friendships, and strengthening the bonds that unite our musical community.

This year’s event is particularly special for us at Southern Miss. Not only are we proud to feature our own premier band the Southern Miss Wind Ensemble but every other featured performing group on the program is directed by a Southern Miss graduate. That’s no coincidence. The School of Music at Southern Miss plays a leading role in advancing music education in our state. Our network of faculty, students, and alumni spans Mississippi and reaches around the world teaching, performing, composing, and leading at the highest levels.

Thank you all for the work you do to nurture music in your communities. To our student musicians: may this week remind you that what you do matters deeply. And to our alumni: thank you for all you do to represent The University of Southern Mississippi so well.

With warm regards and every best wish for an inspiring convention,

Dr. Colin McKenzie Director, Southern Miss School of Music

Esprit de Corps (1984)

PROGRAM

Dr. Cody Edgerton

Assistant Director of Bands, guest conductor

Bookmarks from Japan (2013)

V. Evening Snow at Kambara – Light Is the Touch

IV. Kinryu-zan Senoji – Thunder Gate

Dr. Danilo Mezzadri, flute

Dr. Travis Higa

Associate Director of Bands, guest conductor

Harvest Light for Solo Horn and Wind Ensemble

Brad Gemeinhardt, horn

Anahita (2005)

I. The Flight of Night

March of the Boyars(1895)

La Chancla (2024)

Robert Jager (b. 1939)

Julie Giroux (b. 1961)

James Naigus (b. 1987)

Arr. Jacob Evarts

Roshanne Etezady (b.1973)

Johan Halvorsen (1864 - 1935)

arr. Frederick Fennell

Dennis Llinás (b.1980)

PERSONNEL

PICCOLO

David Reyes, M.M.

Barquisimeto, Lara, Venezuela

FLUTE

Hallie Ward, D.M.A. Cleveland, OH

David Reyes, M.M.

Barquisimeto, Lara, Venezuela

Carson LeDoux, B.M.

Baton Rouge, LA

Madeline Bailey, B.S. Kiln, MS

OBOE

Juan Carlos Piedra Carvajal, D.M.A.

Moravia, Costa Rica

Geordie Nabors, B.M.

Brusly, LA

Josh Strobel, B.M. Daphne, AL

ENGLISH HORN

Geordie Nabors, B.M. Brusly, LA

Eb CLARINET

Matt Barron, M.M. Birmingham, AL

Bb CLARINET

Brad Pilcher, D.M.A. Marietta, GA

Matt Barron, M.M. Birmingham, AL

Cameron Nix, B.M. Aledo, TX

Madison Prattini, M.B.A. Slidell, LA

Nicole Johnston, M.M. Spokane, WA

Samantha Lee, B.M.E. Laurel Hill, FL

BASS CLARINET

Eva Matson, B.M. Pensacola, FL

BASSOON

Jose Osvaldo Redondo Alfaro, D.M.A. Oreamuno, Costa Rica

Nancy Gabriela Diaz, B.M.

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

Zachary Howell, B.M. Fairhope, AL

ALTO SAXOPHONE

Mickie Plunkett, D.M.A. Las Vegas, NV

Preston Davis, B.M.E. Clinton, MS

TENOR SAXOPHONE

Lyndon Bobo, B.M.E. Brandon, MS

BARITONE SAXOPHONE

Tiara Harris, B.M.E. Biloxi, MS

HORN

Chance Rootes, M.M. Biloxi, MS

Abby Loftin, B.M.E. Madison, MS

Andrew Thomas Cooke, B.M.E. Waveland, MS

Gracie Bridges, B.M.E. Crestview, FL

Elijah Wright, B.M.E. Pearl, MS

TRUMPET

Mariah Atwood, M.M. Clinton, MS

Clayton Jacocks, B.M. Denham Springs, LA

Anthony Leggio, B.M. Crestview, FL

Micah Ingram, B.M.E. Purvis, MS

Evan Boudreaux, B.S. Ocean Springs, MS

Reese Melvin, B.A. Moselle, MS

LaDarrien Paten, B.M.E. Louisville, MS

TROMBONE

Brandon Domingue, D.M.A. Youngsville, LA

Jonathan T.J. Henneveld, D.M.A. Heerenveen, The Netherlands

River Messa, B.M.E. Moselle, MS

BASS TROMBONE

Alex Handley, D.M.A. Murfreesboro, TN

EUPHONIUM

Noel Underwood, B.M.E. Flowood, MS

Eli Tackett, B.M.E. Hattiesburg, MS

TUBA

Kerry Simpson, M.M. Mesquite, TX

Clenon Hartzog, M.M. Perkinston, MS

PERCUSSION

Matthew Fera, D.M.A. Meridian, MS

Malachi Collins, B.M.E. Gautier, MS

Nathan Wright, B.M.E. D’Iberville, MS

Dan Hammett, B.M.E.

Bay St. Louis, MS

Brenden Wickliffe, B.M.E. Fort Walton Beach, FL

Jason Quiros, B.M.E. Ocean Springs, MS

Cameron White, B.M.E. Soso, MS

Alex Ploof, B.M.E. Crestview, FL

Zurielys Correa, B.M.E. Añasco, Puerto Rico

STRING BASS

Raegan Fisher, M.M. Strasburg, VA

PIANO

Jianing Pan, D.M.A. Xi’an, China

KEYBOARD

Adrian Ramirez, M.M. Ibague, Colombia

PROGRAM NOTES

Robert Jager

Esprit de Corps

Based on “The Marines’ Hymn,” this work is a kind of fantasy-march, as well as a tribute to the United States Marine Band. Full of energy and drama, the composition has its solemn moments and its lighter moments (for example, the quasi-waltz in the middle of the piece). The composer intends that this work should display the fervor and virtuosity of the Marine Band and the musical spirit and integrity of its conductor, Colonel John R. Bourgeois, for whom the initial tempo marking, Tempo di Bourgeois, is named. Colonel John Bourgeois is a dramatic, spirited conductor, who reflects the excitement of the music being played. When a tempo is supposed to be “bright,” he makes sure it is exactly that. Because the tempo of Esprit de Corps is to be very bright, the marking just had to be Tempo di Bourgeois!

Note from Score

Julie Giroux

Bookmarks

from Japan

V. Evening Snow at Kambara: Light Is the Touch

Based on the bookmark Evening Snow at Kambara by Hiroshige Ando, which is from the series The 53 Stations of the Tokaido Highway, Hiroshige Ando (1797-1858) traveled the Tokaido from Edo to Kyoto in 1832. The official party he was traveling with were transporting horses, which were gifts to be offered to the imperial court. The journey greatly inspired Hiroshige, for he sketched many of its scenes during his journey’s round trip. In all, Hiroshige produced 55 prints for the series The 53 Stations of the Tokaido Highway. Fifty-three of the prints represent the 53 post stations along the way. The additional two prints are of the starting and ending points. The post stations offered food, lodging and stables for travelers of the Tokaido Highway. Evening Snow at Kambara was the 15th station Hiroshige visited.

The subtitle, Light Is the Touch, refers to snow softly falling on the skin. In this piece, the falling snow symbolizes spiritual healing. The piece starts with solo piano, harp and alto flute. The melody is simple yet haunting and grows with the slow addition of players. The piece ends with the same three soloists it began with. It is a song in structure, a song representing the soft touch of healing.

IV. Kinryuzan Temple in Asakusa: Thunder Gate

The name of the print on the bookmark says, Kaminari-mon Gate of Asakusa Kannon Temple, but the true name of the print is Kinryuzan Temple in Asakusa by the artist Hiroshige Ando. Hiroshige died before the entire collection was completed. Hiroshige II finished it. The first prints were published in order between 1856 and 1859.

Originally built in 941 A.D., Kaminarimon is the outer gate leading to the Senso-ji Temple, which was constructed around 628 A.D. near Kamagata and later relocated to its present location in Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan, in 1635. This large gate features four statues. The Shinto gods Fujin and Raijin are located on the front of the gate, and the Buddhist god Tenryu and goddess Kinryu stand on the reverse side. Fujin displayed on the front east side of the gate is the god of wind, and Raijin on the west side is the god of thunder, giving the gate its nickname of “Thunder Gate.”

Displayed in the middle of the gate is a giant red chochin (lantern) which weighs approximately 1,500 pounds. Despite its huge size, it is very fragile. The front of the lantern bears the painting of the gate’s name, Kaminarimon, and the painting on the back reads Furaijinmon, the official name of the gate. The bottom or base of the chochin displays a beautiful wooden carving of a dragon. Over the centuries, the gate has been destroyed and rebuilt many times. The current gate dates to 1960, and the new lantern was donated in 2003. As a tourist, you cannot get close to the statues, as they are protected by fences and wire, and you certainly cannot touch them. Despite all of that, the magnificence of the gate still shines through, bearing testament to centuries of humans that have passed through its structure and the centuries yet to come.

Note by Composer

James Naigus

Harvest Light

Harvest Light is a piece for solo horn and horn choir that was arranged for horn and wind ensemble in 2023 by Jacob Evarts. The title comes from the subtle, yet beautiful, shift in the evening sky during the autumn season. There is a certain warm glow that is cast upon the land, signaling a time of cooler weather and changing colors. The warm and rich sonorities of horn choir plus solo horn, in my mind, is the perfect vessel to musically embody this fall landscape.

Note by Composer

Roshanne Etezady Anahita

Prior to their removal due to damage in 1888, in the Assembly Chamber of the State Capitol Building in Albany, New York, there were two murals that were completed in 1878 by the New England painter, William Morris Hunt. These enormous works were considered the culminating works of the artist’s career. One of these murals, The Flight of Night, depicts the Zoroastrian Goddess of the Night, Anahita, driving her chariot westward, fleeing from the rising sun. Anahita draws inspiration from photographs of Hunt’s masterpiece before its decay, as well as from the Persian poem that inspired Hunt originally. The first movement, The Flight of Night, is characterized by dramatic, aggressive gestures that are meant to evoke the terrifying beauty of the goddess herself.

What follows is the translated Persian poem that Colonel Leavitt Hunt sent to his brother, WilliamMorris Hunt.

Anahita

Enthroned upon her car of light, the moon Is circling down the lofty heights of Heaven; Her well-trained courses wedge the blindest depths With fearful plunge, yet heed the steady hand That guides their lonely way. So swift her course, So bright her smile, she seems on silver wings. O’er-reaching space, to glide the airy main; Behind, far-flowing, spreads her deep blue veil, Inwrought with stars that shimmer in its wave. Before the car, an owl, gloom sighted, flaps His weary way; with melancholy hoot

Dispelling spectral shades that flee With bat-like rush, affrighted, back Within the blackest nooks of caverned Night. Still Hours of darkness wend around the car, By raven tresses half concealed; but one, With fairer locks, seems lingering back for Day. Yet all with even measured footsteps mark Her onward course. And floating in her train Repose lies nestled on the breast of Sleep, While soft Desires enclasp the waist of Dreams, And light-winged Fancies flit around in troops.

Note by Composer

Johan Halvorsen

March of the Boyars

From the 10th through the 17th centuries, the Boyars were the highest-ranking members of the Bulgarian, Romanian, Russian, and Ukrainian aristocracy, second only to the ruling princes. Halvorsen’s Entry March of the Boyars depicts the ceremonial entrance of these aristocrats in a theatrical setting. A solo clarinet introduces the regal theme, and more instruments are added to represent the approach of the entourage. Woodwind ornamentation complements the brass fanfares. This piece did not receive national recognition until notable composer Edvard Grieg, who was the uncle of Halvorsen’s wife, created an arrangement for piano in 1898. Encouraged by Grieg, Halvorsen wrote out all the parts in one night and premiered the work the next day with his theater orchestra.

Note by Edward Harris

Dennis Llinas

La Chancla

La Chancla is Spanish for “a slipper,” more accurately, a flip flop. While Cubans usually say “chancleta,” Puerto Ricans refer to it as “chancla.” It is a common meme or joke among Hispanics that a mother with a chancla in her hand could get an entire room of unruly kids in line or even chase away a bear (look it up on YouTube -- it happened!). It is the Excalibur of Hispanic mothers and grandmothers everywhere, and so I thought it would be a fun project to write a piece with this title and play between the mythical and merengue.

The mythical element to La Chancla is represented by a combination of whole tone and octatonic collections. The merengue stands in stark contrast to the mythical representing the culture through more conservative functional harmony but intense rhythmic vitality. The piece is not programmatic -- just a fun collection of these styles and the interplay between them.

This work was commissioned by a consortium of band programs led by Thomas Verrier and Vanderbilt University. Tom had the vision of creating a work that was to be donated to bands in the Latin Americas who had limited budgets to purchase music. For every participating institution of this consortium, a copy of La Chancla will be donated to a band in the Latin Americas.

Note by Composer

ABOUT THE PERFORMERS

Brad Gemeinhardt is the principal horn of the Metropolitan Opera, a position he has held since 2022 after joining the orchestra in 2007. Praised recently by The New York Times for his “poetry and backbone” in the solo horn part of Mahler’s Fifth Symphony, Brad has performed as guest principal horn with world-class ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Israel Philharmonic, and Philadelphia Orchestra. As a chamber musician, Brad appears regularly on various prestigious concert series, with recent highlights including performances of Mozart’s Fourth Horn Concerto, Bach’s First Brandenburg Concerto, and the Brahms Horn Trio.

A dedicated educator, Brad is on the faculty at Columbia University and The Juilliard School Pre-College Division and is a Valade Fellow at Interlochen Arts Camp. He has recently led master classes at institutions, including The Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music, New York University, the Aspen Music Festival, and the Cincinnati Conservatory. Brad was raised in Selmer, Tenn., and has deep roots in south Mississippi. As a young horn player, he studied with Robert Gilbert in Memphis and worked numerous times with the late Dennis Behm at Southern Miss, before attending the Interlochen Arts Academy and The Juilliard School, where his teacher was the late Jerome Ashby.

Dr. Danilo Mezzadri is a ACUE Distinguished Teaching Scholar and professor at The University of Southern Mississippi. He is artistic director of the International Flute Workshop and Southern Flute Festival. Danilo, featured as a soloist with more than 50 ensembles worldwide, has a “glowing, golden tone,” “vivid musicality” (Fanfare Magazine), and his “dexterity is enviable” (British Flute Society). His performances have been reviewed as “gorgeous” (Detroit Free Press) “with a limpid sound and coaxing every ounce of lyricism” (Jackson Citizen Patriot). Danilo serves on faculty at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp (MI), Festival Mar de Minas (Brazil) and Festival de Música Contemporânea Plurisons (Brazil). Danilo is principal flute at Gulf Coast and North Mississippi Symphony Orchestras. He is founding member of the Quarteto Brasilis, Accento Trio and Plurisons Ensemble. Danilo Mezzadri is the creator of the Spider Log interleaved practice system with graphic feedback.

Dr. Catherine Rand is the director of bands and professor of music at The University of Southern Mississippi, where she conducts the Wind Ensemble, teaches graduate-level wind conducting, and oversees all aspects of a comprehensive band program. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tampa, a master’s from the University of South Florida, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music. With over 33 years of experience, Dr. Rand has taught at both the collegiate and high school levels. An active scholar and educator, Dr. Rand has presented workshops for music educators across the United States and internationally, including in Austria, Singapore, Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama. She has conducted honor bands and All-State ensembles nationwide and abroad. Her scholarly contributions include

publications in A Composer’s Insight (Volume 5) and Teaching Music Through Performance in Band (Volumes 7 and 12).

Dr. Rand’s debut recording with the Southern Miss Wind Ensemble, ALCHEMIZE, was released on the NAXOS label in December 2017, and her second CD is scheduled for release. Under her direction, the Southern Miss Wind Ensemble was selected to perform at the 2018 CBDNA Southern Regional Conference and the 2019 National Conference of the College Band Directors National Association. A passionate advocate for new music, Dr. Rand has commissioned and premiered numerous works for wind ensemble and chamber winds by contemporary composers. She is a Conn-Selmer Education Clinician, the state representative for CBDNA, member of Phi Beta Mu, and a past president of Women Band Directors International.

Dr. Travis Higa is an active adjudicator, clinician, and guest conductor throughout the United States. Most recently, he has been a clinician at the University of Montana Concert Band Festival and adjudicator for the University of South Alabama Marching Band Championships, University of Hawai’i Rainbow Invitational, and Oahu Marching Band Festival. He has conducted honor bands in Mississippi, Illinois, Massachusetts, Florida, and Hawai’i. Dr. Higa currently serves as the associate director of bands and director of The Pride of Mississippi Marching Band at The University of Southern Mississippi. At Southern Miss, he conducts the Concert Band, Symphonic Winds, administers all facets of the athletic band program, and teaches courses in music education and conducting.

Under his direction, The Pride has performed at the Armed Forces Bowl and the LendingTree Bowl, and he has collaborated with American jazz musician, Tom “Bones” Malone, and the world-renowned Boston Brass. An advocate for the expansion, development, and diversification of the wind repertoire, Dr. Higa has collaborated with composers such as David Biedenbender, Ricardo Lorenz, Adam Schoenberg, and Tyler Grant; Venezuelan maraca soloist, Manuel Alejandro Rangel; Musique 21; and the Maryland Chamber Winds.

Dr. Cody Edgerton is the assistant director of bands at The University of Southern Mississippi and associate director of The Pride of Mississippi Marching Band. Cody conducts the Concert Band, University Band, and Pep Band, and he teaches courses in instrumental conducting and music education. Cody has served as guest conductor for the Southern Miss Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Winds, and as guest clinician and conductor at schools throughout the state and region. He is proud to write drill and arrange music for The Pride, and his work is performed regularly at Southern Miss football games and at various Division I athletic institutions across the nation.

Previously, Cody taught 6-12th grade instrumental music at Grandville High School and Elk Rapids Schools in Michigan. Cody presented at regional and national music conferences, including College Band Directors National Association National Conference and Midwest Clinic. In 2021, Cody published original research on the topic of diversity in wind band literature. In 2023, Cody transcribed and published a song cycle by Caroline Shaw for solo mezzo-soprano and wind band, titled Is a Rose Cody has earned degrees in wind conducting from Michigan State University (D.M.A.) and Western Michigan University (M.M.), and a Bachelor of Music Education from Michigan State University.

UNIVERSITY BANDS

The University of Southern Mississippi Band Program traces its proud beginnings to 1920, when a small brass ensemble of aspiring teachers laid the foundation for what would become one of the University’s most vibrant traditions. Though housed in the School of Music, the Band Program truly belongs to the entire Southern Miss community.

Today, the program encompasses six dynamic ensembles: the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Winds, Concert Band, University Band, Basketball Pep Band, and The Pride of Mississippi Marching Band—together engaging more than 300 talented students. Each group carries its own legacy, yet all share roots in the spirit and excellence of the Marching Band, which flourished in the 1950s under the leadership of Dr. Raymond Mannoni.

The acclaimed Wind Ensemble continues this tradition of excellence under the direction of Dr. Catherine Rand, following in the footsteps of esteemed conductors, including Raymond Mannoni, William J. Moody, Alan W. Drake, Raymond G. Young, Joe Barry Mullins, Ike Nail, and Dr. Thomas V. Fraschillo, the program’s longest-serving director of bands.

Renowned for its artistry, the Wind Ensemble has performed at six national and five regional College Band Directors National Association Conferences, two American Bandmasters Association events, and eight Mississippi Bandmasters Association conferences. Featured on Public Radio Mississippi and NPR’s Performance Today, the ensemble has also recorded with NAXOS, the world’s leading classical music label—showcasing the excellence and spirit that define Southern Miss Bands.

SOUTHERN MISS SCHOOL OF Music

FACULTY AND STAFF

STRINGS

Dr. Borislava Iltcheva, violin

Dr. Hsiaopei Lee, viola

Dr. Alexander Russakovsky, cello

Dr. Marcos Machado, bass

Dr. Nicholas Ciraldo, guitar

WOODWINDS

Dr. Danilo Mezzadri, flute

Dr. Pablo Hernandez, oboe

Dr. Jackie McIlwain, clarinet

Dr. Kim Woolly, bassoon

Dr. Dannel Espinoza, saxophone

BRASS

Dr. Rob Detjen, horn

Dr. Tim Tesh, trumpet

Dr. Ben McIlwain, trombone

Dr. Richard Perry, tuba

PERCUSSION

Dr. John Wooton, percussion

PIANO

Dr. Michael Bunchman, piano

Dr. Ellen Elder, piano

Dr. Hongzuo Guo, staff pianist

Dr. Elizabeth Moak, piano

Dr. Zhaolei Xie, staff pianist

ORCHESTRAL ACTIVITIES

Dr. Gregory Wolynec

CHORAL ACTIVITIES

Dr. Gregory Fuller

Dr. Jonathan Kilgore

VOICE

Dr. Kimberley Davis

Dr. Taylor Hightower

Dr. Meredith Johnson

Dr. Jonathan Yarrington

MUSIC EDUCATION

Dr. Ashley Allen

Dr. Melody Causby

Dr. Ian Cicco

Dr. Kelli Clark

UNIVERSITY BANDS

Dr. Catherine Rand

Dr. Travis Higa

Dr. Cody Edgerton

JAZZ STUDIES

Larry Panella

MUSIC HISTORY

Dr. Vanessa Tonelli

Dr. Edward Hafer

Dr. Joseph Jones

MUSIC THEORY

Dr. Danny Beard

Dr. Joseph Brumbeloe

Dr. Douglas Rust

DIRECTOR

Dr. Colin McKenzie

ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS

Dr. Joseph Jones

Dr. Timothy Tesh

ASSISTANT TO THE DIRECTOR

Laurie Rinko

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION SPECIALIST

Jennifer Knue

ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALISTS

Sinetta Bolton

Dr. Kevin Ledgewood

ACADEMIC ADVISEMENT COORDINATOR

Kristin Sheppard

GRADUATE COORDINATOR

Dr. Melody Causby

PR/MARKETING AND EVENT COORDINATOR

Dr. Mike Lopinto

PIANO TECHNICIAN

Carlos Boza

ALL-SOUTH HONOR BAND

February 6 – 8, 2026

Register now to be a part of the 2026 All-South Honor Band! You will have the opportunity to rehearse and perform with guest conductors Col. Bruce Pulver (Commander, Pershing’s Own) and Dr. Mary Land (Director of Instrumental Music Education, Western Michigan University), as well as study with our very own Southern Miss faculty. Don’t wait —register now to reserve your spot in the All-South Honor Band!

The registration fee includes an All-South Honor Band T-shirt, lunch

Scan here to register.

ALL-SOUTH DRUM MAJOR AND GUARD CAMP

June 16 - 20, 2026

The premier camp of its kind in the Southeast, the All-South Drum Major and Guard Camp offers high school students of all experience levels the opportunity to visit the beautiful campus of The University of Southern Mississippi and hone their skills in conducting, leadership, flag technique, and/or rifle work. Staffed by leading experts in their respective fields, the Drum Major and Guard Camp will provide students with an enriching, educational, and FUN experience, which will prepare them to have the most successful marching season yet!

Scan here to register.