ELLISVILLE – The Jones College School of Art, Music and Theater is inviting former choir members to be a part of a special Patriotic Celebration during Graduation on Friday, May 8, at 6:30 p.m. Alumni will join the Jones College Choir during commencement to sing “Battle Hymn of the Republic” to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday.
“We just want people to sign up,” said Bruce Smith, Dean of the School of Art, Music and Performance. “We’re not asking for your dedication for the next month. We want you to come to a couple of rehearsals, a dress rehearsal and the event on May 8th for graduation. This will also be a great opportunity to visit with friends and faculty.”
To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the establishment of the United States of America, Jones College wanted to combine celebrations because the college holds one commencement ceremony in May.
“We’re going to do a red, white and blue sort of graduation ceremony. Alumni who sign up on the link https://forms.gle/QAEdvLDRQXkRB6Rq6 which is also provided on the Jones College website, will receive a parts tape. So, all alumni will have to do is listen along and pick up the sheet music or we can mail it to them once they sign up,” said Smith.
The goal is to have 200 singers as we celebrate our graduates, the USA and our past music instructors. Information can also be found on the Jones College School of Art, Music and Performance Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/JCJCFineArtsIf you want more information contact Bruce Smith by phone at 601-477-2248 or by email, bruce.smith@jcjc,edu
Jones County Junior College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability in its programs, activities, or employment practices. The (ADA/ Section 504) Director of ADA Coordinator, Student Affairs, phone 601-477-4070, and (Title IX) Title IX Coordinator, Hutcheson Hubbard Administration Building, phone 601-477-4127, have been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding the non-discrimination policies. Jones County Junior College, 900 South Court Street, Ellisville, MS 39437.
ELLISVILLE – The Jones College Theater Department will bring the classic Broadway musical “Gypsy” to life on April 10–12, featuring a cast of students and young performers from the community in a production that blends music, drama and powerful storytelling. Originally on Broadway in 1959, Gypsy was made into a movie in 1962. This classic Broadway musical has won multiple awards and has been revived many times including a second movie version in 1993 starring Bette Midler.
Jones College performances in the M.P. Bush Auditorium are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, April 10 & 11, with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for lower-level seating and $10 for upper-level seating and can be reserved online at www.jcjc.edu/ticketsDiscount codes will also be available for students, employees and through cast promotions on social media. JC employees and students will receive discount codes through campus email.
Dean of the School of Art, Music and Performance, Bruce Smith is directing the production which includes approximately 30 cast and crew members, including six young actors under the age of 12 who help bring the story’s early vaudeville scenes to life.
The young cast of characters for Jones College’s Theater production of Gypsy includes young actors and actresses from the Pine Belt and are pictured left to right with Assistant Director, Amanda Robertson, Bryce Beard-Young Yonkers of Ellisville, Scott Shows-Young LA of Ellisville, Mila Lancaster-Ensemble of Hattiesburg, Arron Harrison-Young Tulsa of Ellisville, Director Bruce Smith, Vaeda Lancaster-Baby Louise of Hattiesburg and Greenly Flowers-Baby June of Ellisville.
“This is a story that’s been told for years and years,” Smith said. “It’s got timeless music and a powerful message, and I think audiences will connect with it in a real way.”
Gypsy is based on the memoir of famed burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee, who is a determined and often overbearing stage mother. The story follows Rose as she pushes her daughters through the declining world of vaudeville. We see a mother’s relentless ambition and the evolving relationship with her daughters, particularly Louise, who ultimately transforms into the iconic Gypsy Rose Lee.
Sydnee Tisdale (center) of Ellisville plays Rose, the overbearing stage mother with her daughters, Louise “Gypsy” played by Ella Jolly (left) of Petal and June, played by Chloe White of Laurel.
“It’s really about a mother who struggles to love her children outside of the stage,” Smith said. “In the end, it’s about their transformation and how that relationship changes over time.”
Smith said the show was intentionally selected to highlight the talents of lead performer Sydnee Tisdale, a dedicated Jones College music and theater student who has taken on major roles during her time at Jones.
“We always look at who we have in our talent pool,” said Smith. “Sydnee has been a star for us since she arrived, and we wanted to find something where she could truly shine.”
Tisdale, who plays the demanding role of Rose, said stepping into such an iconic character has been both exciting and intimidating.
“It honestly is surreal,” Tisdale said. “I’ve never played a role this big. It’s new territory, but I feel honored that I’ve been given this chance.”
Despite her confidence on stage, Tisdale admitted the role comes with pressure.
“I’m very nervous, very intimidated,” she said. “It’s very lead-heavy, and there’s a lot of responsibility, but I’m going to be prepared.”
One of her favorite moments in the production is the show-stopping finale.
“‘Rose’s Turn’ is probably my favorite,” Tisdale shared. “I get to be very raw and emotional. It’s a really intimate moment with the audience.”
The production will feature a live orchestra and classic songs such as “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” and “Let Me Entertain You,” adding to the authentic Broadway-style experience. While the musical touches on themes of burlesque in its second act, Smith described the show as appropriate for general audiences.
Members of the cast of Gypsy playing at Jones College April 10-12, include the Young Yonkers played by Bryce Beard (pictured left end) of Ellisville with his older character, Yonkers played by Peyton Shoemaker of Morton. Greenly Flowers (pictured left middle) of Ellisville plays Baby June and is pictured with Chloe White of Laurel who plays the older June. Pictured in the middle are Vaeda Lancaster of Hattiesburg who plays Baby Louise (Gypsy) with Ella Jolly of Petal. Arron Harrison (right middle) of Ellisville plays Young Tulsa and is pictured with JC student Aidan Chisolm of Mize who plays Tulsa. The Young LA is played by Scott Shows of Ellisville, and the older LA is played by Zach Hand (right end) of Petal.
“We don’t perform any actual burlesque,” he said. “We suggest it through costuming and storytelling, but it remains appropriate, around a PG level.”
For Tisdale, the experience goes beyond the stage.
Rose’s daughters, Louise “Gypsy” played by Ella Jolly (left) of Ellisvlle and June, played by Chloe White of Laurel (right).
“Being part of the Jones Theatre Department feels like a family,” she said. “It’s very close-knit, and I love being a part of this special group at Jones.”
With a large cast, live music and a story rooted in real-life events, Smith said the production offers something for everyone.
“This is live theater at its best,” he said. “We just want people to come out, support these students and enjoy a great show.”
Gypsy also features JC theater regular, Ella Jolly of Petal, who played Anita in “West Side Story” last spring and was a member of the cast of “Grease.” She plays Rose’s daughter Gypsy in this production. For more information about the Jones College Theater Department or the School of Art, Music and Performance, check out the website at:https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/finearts/
young performers sitting in the front row, left to right, Greenly Flowers of Ellisville plays Baby June, Vaeda Lancaster of Hattiesburg who plays Baby Louise (Gypsy), Scott Shows of Ellisville who plays Young LA, Arron Harrison of Ellisville plays Young Tulsa, Bryce Beard of Ellisville plays Young Yonkers and Mila Lancaster of Hattiesburg is in the Ensemble. Jones College students are listed in alphabetical order: Rose-Sydnee Tisdale, Ellisville; Louise “Gypsy”-Ella Jolly, Petal; Tessie-Bailey Daphne Brooks, Moselle; Tulsa-Aidan Chisolm, Mize; Ensemble-Mariah Dawkins, Columbia; Miss Cratchitt-Kyndall Gunderson, Petal; LA-Zach Hand, Petal; Ensemble-Addy Hodges, Ellisville; Uncle Jocko-Bryce, Jasper, Laurel; Waitress-Hailey Keys, Collins; Agness- Patricia “Dani” Mitchell, Seminary; Electra-Gracelyn Summer Knight, Monticello; Yonkers-Peyton Shoemaker, Morton; Mazeppa- Josalynn Tisdale, Laurel; Herbie-Landen-Silas Upton, Hattiesburg; Mr. Goldstone-Brady Warren, Laurel and June-Chloe White, Laurel. Not pictured: Balloon Girl-Lydia McLeod, Ellisville, Mazeppa-Alexandria Ruth, Laurel.
ELLISVILLE –Six Jones College sophomore music students are inviting the public to hear their last solo performances before graduation. Sophomores performing are Daniel Baldwin of Magee, Isaac Crouch of Ellisville, Kyndall Gunderson of Petal, Hannah Smith of Newton, Texas, Sydnee Tisdale of Ellisville and Nancy Tucker of Laurel. The recitals are free and open to the public.
On Tuesday, April 14, at 7 p.m. in the Foote Chapel, percussionist Nancy Tucker will take the spotlight performing on various instruments. Singer and songwriter, Daniel Baldwin will also perform along with Hannah Smith on flute.
Performing on Thursday, April 23, at 7 p.m. in the Foote Chapel, flutist Kyndall Gunderson, will join pianist, Isaac Crouch and Sydnee Tisdale will share her vocal talents.
These performances are a part of the sophomore music student’s degree requirements for Jones College. For more information about the JC music program or the sophomore recitals call the College of Arts, Music and Performance at 601-477-4203.
ELLISVILLE — Jones College will serve as the Title Sponsor of the Roux Masters Inaugural Gumbo Cook-Off on Saturday, March 28, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Downtown Ellisville, in partnership with Ellisville Main Street.
The family-friendly event will feature a gumbo competition with teams from across the region competing for top honors, giving attendees the opportunity to sample a variety of unique gumbo creations. About 15 teams will compete for the coveted trophy, created by the JC welding students. Admission is free to the event however, “Tasting Tickets” are $15 for the general public and $10 for Jones College students.
In addition to the competition, the event will showcase Jones College programs and talent through live entertainment hosted by the Fine Arts Department, a gumbo exhibition tent featuring culinary students, a Touch-a-Truck area, a Kid Zone, and departmental showcases.
Community members are encouraged to attend and take part in a day that highlights the spirit, talent, and community impact of Jones College. Proceeds go to Ellisville Main Street. Everything provided by Jones is free. T-shirt presale went to our culinary program.
ELLISVILLE – The Drugs & Society Class for criminal justice students, taught by Bart Bartran learned first-hand how the Jones County District Attorney’s investigators work a case. Investigators Brad Grunig and Tonya Madison shared tips with students as they reviewed a murder case they solved. Students discovered what investigators look for and listen to while interviewing suspects and witnesses, as well as how to examine evidence and a crime scene. Additionally, students learned about the rules of admissible court evidence and how investigators use psychology to interpret behavior to determine whether someone is being truthful.
“These local criminal justice professionals bring a much-needed level of realism that can’t be achieved in any other way,” said Bartran. “Additionally, it allows the students to network and meet their potential new employers, and they get to witness first-hand what they actually do!”
Bartran also hosted Investigator Eric Johnson with the MS Dept. of Agriculture Bureau of Investigations and Jones College graduate Hailey Duque who recently visited Bartran’s class to share their experiences. Johnson served in the Highway Patrol before joining the MDABI and Duque is currently studying criminal justice at USM. Other upcoming special guests include the K9 Officer with Laurel Police Department and Jones County District Attorney, Brad Thompson who will address the class about his job as the Senior Prosecutor in Jones County.
