Next month, Coahoma Community College will welcome regional Historically Black College and University (HBCU) choirs to its annual Choral Music Festival.
Organized and sponsored by CCC’s Lyceum Committee, the event is slated to take place on Sunday, November 6, 2022, at 5 p.m. in the Pinnacle and is free to the general public. The festival will feature choirs from Coahoma, Jackson State University (JSU), Rust College, Alcorn State University (ASU), Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU), Tougaloo College, and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) Vesper Choir.
Coahoma’s Concert Choir will act as the host of the event, as they join their sister-choirs in delivering joyful noises. The group is one of the premier choirs in the southern region and the nation; serving as an excellent ambassador for Coahoma Community College within its surrounding communities and the religious sector. The choir’s repertoire includes classical and arousing concert spirituals along with contemporary and traditional gospel.
Dr. Kelvin Towers, CCC Music Department chair and director of Choral Activities, believes each participating choir will bring their unique sounds and styling for attendees to enjoy.
“Each one of these choirs is an outstanding attraction; their selections will include classical repertoire along with jazz and gospel-like traditions,” Towers said.
According to Rita Hanfor, the event’s organizer, it takes a lot to put on a production of this magnitude, but the results always leave attendees pleased. She hopes this showcase brings visitors from beyond the CCC five-county service area.
“Our hope for this event is that it is well attended by faculty, our students, alumni and the community at large. We hope this also includes alumni and supporters from the areas in which the visiting choirs are from,” said Hanfor.
Towers said the event is not only a treat for the community but the students as well.
"The students from the various colleges really look forward to this shared experience as they get to meet each other and hear the sounds that typically ring from each school's music hall," Towers said. “We hope the public will take advantage of this rare opportunity.”
In accordance with COVID-19 protocols, participants are asked to wear masks/facial coverings and practice social distancing.
For more information about this event, contact Rita Hanfor at (662) 621-4144 or rhanfor@coahomacc.edu.
