Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Tri-Campus Choir will showcase their musical talents at the annual state choral festival hosted by the Association of Mississippi Community College Choral Music (AMCCCM).

The festival, which brings together choirs from nine community colleges representing 375 singers, will be held at the state-of-the-art Immersive Media Performing Arts Center (iMPAC) at MGCCC’s Harrison County Campus on Thursday, February 27, 2025, and Friday, February 28, 2025.

This exciting event, coordinated by MGCCC Jackson County Campus music faculty member Kate Sawyer—serving her second year as president of AMCCCM—promises a vibrant celebration of choral music and fellowship among community college choirs throughout Mississippi. Esteemed choral directors Dr. Brian Kittredge (University of Alabama at Birmingham) and Dr. Philip Stockton (Mississippi State University) have been invited to lead clinics with the participating choirs.

During the two-day festival, the choirs will rehearse in two mass choirs and perform in multiple concert sessions: on Thursday at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and the finale concert on Friday morning at 11:00 a.m.

All sessions are open to the public, with no ticket required.

“Having a large choral festival this close to home is exciting,” Sawyer said. “Our state has so many excellent choral directors and collaborators, but you may not drive up to Northwest or Hinds to see these groups. Here, you can see them alongside our own MGCCC Tri-Campus Choir.”

The state choral festival offers a unique opportunity for community college choral singers to engage in an environment of support and shared passion for music, moving beyond the typical competitive setting. Participants, ranging from beginners to seasoned performers, will benefit from expert guidance and collaborative rehearsals that enhance both their musical skills and camaraderie.

The festival not only highlights the exceptional talents of community college choirs, but also underscores the benefits of bringing high-caliber musical experiences to the Gulf Coast region. MGCCC students, employees, and community members are encouraged to attend the rehearsals and concert sessions, ensuring that the festival becomes a shared celebration of musical excellence.