Jones College students begin fall semester classes

ELLISVILLE – Despite the rain this week, Jones College students were all smiles and happy to be back on campus. Many of the students prepared for the drenching rain and said they are ready for the student activities and athletic events to begin. The first event, Meet the Bobcats was scheduled to be held Wednesday, August 24, but organizers moved the event to Thursday, September 1, at 5 p.m. before the first home football game of the season. The Bobcats face the Itawamba Indians at 7 p.m. in Bobcat Stadium/Sim Cooley Field, rain or shine!

 

Jones College’s Maroon Typhoon Marching Band features Karaoke classics

ELLISVILLE – The 160 member Maroon Typhoon Marching Band at Jones College is preparing a memorable half time performance and traditional pre-game show presenting songs that get “stuck in your head.” This year, the half-time show is a mix of music from the most played Karaoke chart toppers. Music from the 70’s through today will be scattered across the show as the Maroon Typhoon brings a night of Karaoke to its audience. Some songs include the music from Outkast, the B52’s, Brittney Spears, Neil Diamond, the Cranberries and Snoop Dogg are on the lineup.

Assistant Directors of Bands, (pictured left to right) Caleb Owenby and Dr. Lindsey Keay, Director of Bands, Dr. Ben Burge, Touch of Gold Choreographer/instructor, Lora Davis, Assistant Director of Bands, Dr. Josh Frans and Colorguard instructor, Meredith Owen.

“The band had an incredible band camp learning how to march cohesively and play some new challenging but fun music. I’m proud of how this group of students is working hard and rising to every challenge. They are making some great music and they are already bonding into the Typhoon Family,” said Director of Bands, Dr. Ben Burge.

The Maroon Typhoon will present its traditional pre-game show consisting of the JCJC Fight Song Fanfares, the National Anthem and the JC Fight Song. The Touch of Gold dancers will be featured during the musical presentation of “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga. The band ends the show with the fan favorite, JC Jam cheer and Hey Song.

“We are super proud of the students’ hard work and all the progress they are making in camp. I am looking forward to a wonderful season,” said Dr. Lindsey Keay.

The band’s first appearance will be on Wednesday, August 24, from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. as part of the Meet the Bobcats event in Bobcat Stadium/Sim Cooley Field. The public is invited to this free event.

For more information about the Maroon Typhoon contact Dr. Ben Burge by email at ben.burge@jcjc.edu and for the home football schedule featuring the Maroon Typhoon’s performances click on the JC Athletics website at https://jcbobcats.com/

 Name                         City          High School                     Instrument

Julianna Anderson   Petal   Petal High School        01 Flute

Hailey (Ryvanna) Brown Laurel   Northeast Jones High School     01 Flute

Kalilah Cash   Ellisville         South Jones High School   01 Flute

Kendra Collins  Seminary        South Jones High School      01 Flute

Angela Cruz-Diaz   Florence  McLaurin High School    01 Flute

Halie Dunn    Collins  Collins High School  01 Flute

Julie King   Hattiesburg     Seminary High School     01 Flute

Erica Kitchens   Seminary South Jones High School   01 Flute

Jessica Long  Clara   Wayne County High School 01 Flute

Jacey Mangrum Collins Collins High School      01 Flute

Eileen Ortega   Seminary   Seminary Attendance Center  01 Flute

Kristlyn Parker  Collins   Seminary Attendance Center   01 Flute

Kambri Pippin  Laurel  Northeast Jones High School   01 Flute

Brittney Smith  Lucedale  Greene County High School    01 Flute

Kaylea Yates    Collins   South Jones High School   01 Flute

Kaitlyn  Beasley    Ellisville     Wayne County High School   02 Clarinet

Xowi Bush  Laurel      West Jones ones High School   02 Clarinet

Elda Cook    Ellisville  South Jones High School  02 Clarinet

Erin Fairchild  Seminary   Seminary High School    02 Clarinet

Madison Foxworth  Foxworth   West Marion High School    02 Clarinet

Heighlie Frias    Laurel    West Jones High School   02 Clarinet

Dayanara (Michel) Gonzalez Magee    Magee High School    02 Clarinet

Destiny (Lanae) Keyes   Laurel   Laurel High School       02 Clarinet

Isabella Kittrell  State Line  Wayne County High School    02 Clarinet

Kaitlyn  Massie  Ellisville   South Jones High School  02 Clarinet

Alexus McCullum  Ellisville   South Jones High School  02 Clarinet

Lorin Musgrove Soso    West Jones High School      02 Clarinet

Katlyn Myrick     Soso  West Jones High School   02 Clarinet

Zoe Payne  Quitman   Quitman High School   02 Clarinet

Madilyn Pitts   Pachuta    Enterprise High School    02 Clarinet

Aaron Reiher   Soso   West Jones High School   02 Clarinet

Lena Ruble   Petal    Petal High School   02 Clarinet

Katelyn Singley   Mize  Magee High School    02 Clarinet

Darla Williams   Waynesboro    Wayne County High School    02 Clarinet

Logan  Ingram Morton Raleigh   Raleigh High School    03 Alto sax

Tykevia Watson Laurel    Northeast Jones High School   03 Alto Sax

India Dearman    Leakesville  Greene County High School    03 Saxophone

Chloe Entrekin   Ellisville  South Jones High School   03 Saxophone

Eboni McDonald   Taylorsville    West Jones High School 03  Saxophone

Leigha Thompson  Ellisville  South Jones High School    03 Saxophone

Sydney Tisdale    Ellisville   South Jones High School  03 Saxophone

Stacy (Darlene) Villaseca    Laurel   Northeast Jones HS   03 Saxophone

Phoebe Boozer  Seminary   South Jones HS   04 Tenor Saxophone

Tony Ducksworth Taylorsville  Taylorsville High School 04 Tenor Saxophone

Dawson Temple   Mize  Mize Attendance Center  04 Tenor saxophone

Sarah Beavers  Mize  Mize Attendance Center  05 Horn

Zachary Hand     Mize   Mize Attendance Center  05 Horn

Emari Moody   Shubuta   Quitman High School  05 Horn

Camryn Torres   Gautier  Gautier High School   05 Horn

Ethan Ainsworth   Laurel  West Jones High School   06 Trumpet

Hailey Graves   Soso  West Jones High School   06 Trumpet

Julius (Jay) Green  Terry   Terry High School  06 Trumpet

Luis Hernandez  Laurel   Northeast Jones High School   06 Trumpet

Danielle Hollinghead  Glade Northeast Jones High School  06 Trumpet

Summer Hughes  Mize Mize Attendance Center   06 Trumpet

Mersadi McCarter  Louin  Raleigh High School   06 Trumpet

Cambrie McRee    Ellisville   South Jones High School   06 Trumpet

Ethan Noffke   Seminary Seminary High School  06 Trumpet

Isaiah Pleas  Laurel  West Jones High School     06 Trumpet

Summer Satcher     Enterprise   Enterprise High School   06 Trumpet

Kyyora Sidney  Laurel  Laurel High School   06 Trumpet

Reagan Thornton  Laurel   Northeast Jones High School  06 Trumpet

Callie Tisdale Florence    Richland High School   06 Trumpet

William (Kai) Welborn   Petal  Petal High School  06 Trumpet

Trinity Williams  Brooklyn  Forrest County AHS   06 Trumpet

Andres Avalos   Soso    West Jones High School   07 Trombone

Josef Castillo  Laurel     Northeast Jones High School 07 Trombone

Kylan Combest Laurel    Laurel High School   07 Trombone

Keandranique Gilbert  Laurel   Laurel High School     07 Trombone

Jennifer Hernandez   Laurel    Northeast Jones High School  07 Trombone

Briana McGinty Purvis  Purvis High School   Trombone

Ethan Roberts   Collins   Mt. Olive Attendance Center   07 Trombone

Ian Sam   Flowood Northwest Rankin High School  07 Trombone

Miyalexis Douglas  Pearl   Pearl High School   08 Euphonium

TJ May  Mendenhall     Mendenhall High School  08 Euphonium

De’Juan (DJ) Odems    Gautier    Gautier High School  08 Euphonium

James Rigdon   Ellisville  South Jones High School   08 Euphonium

Alyssa (Max) Adams Laurel   West Jones High School   09 Tuba

Trinity Gieger    Laurel   West Jones High School     09 Tuba

Ronald (R.J.)  Hughes   Laurel   West Jones High School   09 Tuba

Nylah (Gabby) McKenzie       Laurel   Laurel High School    09 Tuba

Caleb Nichols    Heidelberg   Northeast Jones High School  09 Tuba

J’Len Noel   Quitman  Quitman High School   09 Tuba

Leo Norman  Ellisville   South Jones High School   09 Tuba

Cameron Pippen    Laurel   Northeast Jones High School  09 Tuba

Xavier Porter  Laurel    Laurel High School   09 Tuba

Aaron Mason    Raleigh  Raleigh High School   10 Bass 1

Conner Smith   Mize   Mize Attendance Center  10 Bass 2

Drake Sellers   Mize  Mize Attendance Center    10 Bass 3

Cody Holliday  Florence  Florence High School   10 Bass 4

Michael Arevalo    Pearl    Pearl High School    10 Snare

Logan Evans   Laurel    Northeast Jones High School    10 Snare

Casie Husack     Moselle  South Jones High School  10 Snare

Adrian Roberts   Shubuta   Quitman High School   10 Snare

Peyton Rowell   Petal   Petal High School   10 Snare

Joshua Evans    Waynesboro    Wayne County High School  10 Tenors

Jeffery Wimbley Chatom, AL  Washington County HS  10 Tenors

Nicolas Barnes  Hattiesburg  Purvis High School  Lamar 11 Front Ensemble

Michael Beasley  Buckatunna  Wayne County High School 11 Front Ensemble

Aidan Brewton  Bay Springs    Bay Springs High School  11 Front Ensemble

Tyler Cash   Ellisville South Jones High School 11 Front Ensemble

Shana Davis  Jayess    Woodlawn Prep High School   11 Front Ensemble

Kaitlyn Huddleston  Laurel    West Jones High School   11 Front Ensemble

Jordan Stianche     Petal  Petal High School   11 Front Ensemble

Lakiriya (Kira) Stokes   Waynesboro    Wayne County HS  11 Front Ensemble

Bradley Tyson Petal  Petal High School  11 Front Ensemble

Haley Robinson   Florence    Florence High School  12 Cologuard

Hayleigh Cantrell  Brandon   Puckett High School   12 Colorguard

Mya Carter    Pearl    Pearl High School      12 Colorguard

Taylor Channell   Pearl Pearl High School  12 Colorguard

Anahi Chercoles    Forest     Forest High School    12 Colorguard

Kaitlin Davis  Meridian  Enterprise High School   12 Colorguard

Emilee (Paige) Farve  Heidelberg  Northeast Jones HS  12 Colorguard

Arielle Grimaldo  Moselle  South Jones High School  12 Colorguard

Gabrielle Hankins Purvis Northeast Jones High School  12 Colorguard

Alisha Hudson  Laurel  Northeast Jones High School  12 Colorguard

Emma Jackson   Brandon  Northwest Rankin High School  12 Colorguard

Jay’Nia Keyes   Taylorsville    Mize Attendance Center  12 Colorguard

Gabriella Lopez    Brandon   Northwest Rankin High School   12 Colorguard

Kaylee Moss (Fulgum) Laurel  West Jones High School      12 Colorguard

Charlee Norman  Ellisville   South Jones High School    12 Colorguard

Ardajah Pierce     Laurel  Northeast Jones High School  12 Colorguard

Haley Robinson  Florence   Florence High School     12 Colorguard

Dori Saranthus   Magee   Mize Attendance Center   12 Colorguard

Rebekah Sudduth  Pearl    Pearl High School     Rankin   12 Colorguard

Christian (Doll) Swindle  Waynesboro Wayne County HS   12 Colorguard

Lily Taylor   Pearl   Pearl High School     12 Colorguard

Layken Valentine   Ellisville   West Jones High School    12 Colorguard

Sheridan White      Soso   West Jones High School   12 Colorguard

Kelly Biglane  Ellisville  South Jones High School   13 Dancer

Bailie  Bishop   Taylorsville    West Jones High School  13 Dancer

Weslyn Blackwell  Ellisville     South Jones High School    13 Dancer

Hanna  Broadwater   Pearl   Pearl High School   13 Dancer

Taylor Garretson Leakesville  Greene County High School    13 Dancer

Haley Gibbs   Laurel    Excellence in Learning Academy   13 Dancer

Karlee Green   Laurel      West Jones High School      13 Dancer

Kendall Johnson   Soso   West Jones High School    13 Dancer

Kelsey Lawrence      Ellisville   South Jones High School   13 Dancer

Kinsey Lawson  Ellisville      South Jones High School   13 Dancer

Meg Matthews   Raleigh    Raleigh High School   13 Dancer

Madi Temple     Pearl   Pearl High School     13 Dancer

Jessie Wallace      Mendenhall     Simpson Academy   13 Dancer

Jessica Manning  Quitman   Quitman High School   15 Drum Major

Melania Sanders    Columbia  Columbia High School    15 Drum Major

Rachel Turner    Petal   Perry Central High School   15 Drum Major

Donna Cameron     Kokomo   West Marion High School   16 Manager

Tyler Dunn     Waynesboro    Wayne County High School   16 Manager

Cameron Freeman    New Augusta    Perry Central High School    16 Manager

Emma Hampton  Petal   Petal High School    16 Manager

Serenity (Cici) Lawson  Petal        Petal High School  16 Manager

Sydnee Mabe   Petal    Petal High School     16 Manager

Marcus Nixon      Laurel    West Jones High School  16 Manager

Brandy Roper     Wiggins    Stone High School     16 Manager

Gracye Tower    Runnelstown   Perry Central High School  16 Manager

Alexandria (Alli) Smith   Waynesboro    Wayne County HS    16 Manager

 

Summer Session Honor Roll at Jones College Announced

ELLISVILLE – Jones College has announced the 2022 Summer Session honor roll scholars. Full-Time students with 15 hours or more and who maintain the following grade-point averages will make the honor roll: President’s List–4.0; Dean’s List–3.99-3.5: Faculty List–3.49-3.0.

Jones College   President’s List     Summer 2022                           

Adams Natchez: Emily A Rasco.

Forrest Petal: Grace Irene Robbins.

Greene Leakesville: Scott James Brocious and Nicholas Levi McArn.

Greene Neely: Christopher Ryan Huey and Clayton Westley Moody.

Greene State Line: Sarah G Gonzalez.

Jasper Louin: Christopher Thomas Lee Hillman.

Jones Ellisville: Darrell McCullum.

Jones Laurel: Antwoin Shaiqun Jones, Joshua Hewitt Thurman and Keyera C Waters.

Jones Moselle: Dayton Orion Davis.

Lamar Purvis: Samuel Aaron Walters.

Lawrence Jayess: Sydney Ruth Pevey and Christy Lea Stuart.

Perry New Augusta.: Arseunna Morriel Hardin

Perry Richton: Jayson Lowery Dykes.

Wayne Buckatunna: Maggie Saige Mason

Wayne Richton: Emily Christine Beck.

 

Jones College     Dean’s List Honor Roll     Summer 2022                                    

Covington Collins: Levi Adison Brenner and Calder Hale Mikell.

Covington Mount Olive: Amerie D Sherman.

Covington Seminary: John W Price.

Forrest Hattiesburg: Kami Anne Moler and Gavin Lavon Wells.

Forrest Petal: Jimmy Clifton Rogers.

George Lucedale: Cole M Hillman, Jerry Crowder Holland and Dulce Analilia Lara.

Greene Leakesville: Woodard Lee Eubanks and Bradley Jackson Snyder.

Greene McLain: Zane Mitchell Turner.

Jackson Ocean Springs: America S Stokes.

Jasper Stringer: Alexis Grace Herrington.

Jones Ellisville: Marleigh Makay Rayner.

Jones Laurel: Andrew Jacob Bush, Ariyana Monique Logan, Austin Tabyiss Pruitt and Liam Saxon Walker.

Jones Moselle: Jonathan Stewart Martin.

Jones Sandersville: Tracy Dalan Sumrall.

Jones Soso: Miles Dwayne Dennis and Cameron Scott Johnston.

Lamar Purvis: Seth Curtis Pounds.

Lamar Sumrall: Gary Jeff Fagan.

Lawrence Monticello: Amber Shakara Newsom.

Perry Petal: Kristen Elizabeth Holder.

Perry Richton: Braxton Edward Inmon and Harley Jeffery Roberts.

Pike Magnolia: Chasity I Moses.

Simpson Mount Olive: Abigayle Grace Adcox.

Smith Mize: Tristan Patrick Craft.

Smith Mize: Joseph Drew Johnson.

Smith Taylorsville: Effie Rawls Klein.

Walthall Tylertown: Elijah Dewayne Wells.

Washington Greenville: Lejaylyn Erlando Nutall.

Wayne Waynesboro: Stephanie Rena Crist and Marquez Tyreon Hundley.

Winston Noxapater: Chase Myers Ray.

 

Jones College   Faculty List    Summer 2022 

Clarke Shubuta: Zandarrius M Blakley and Ronneyeka Jacwanna Duncan.

Covington Seminary: Amber Jones Brignac and Brittany Nicole Cummins.

Forrest Hattiesburg: Bailey M Hobby, Kamecia D Love, Kia D Pruitt, Le’chasity Danyelle Taylor and   Jacey Ann Varnado.

Forrest Petal: Selencia Petreice Roberts and Asa Graham Theus.

George Lucedale: Richard Douglas Bullock, Lorrie Morgan Kluck and Brittany Nicole Pipkins.

Greene Leakesville: Kenzell D Blakely.

Greene McLain: Mitchell Terrell Brown and Anthony Lee London.

Greene Neely: Vickie Lynn Byrd.

Greene Richton: Shara Lynn Beasley.

Jasper Heidelberg: Kelsie Destina Jordan.

Jasper Louin: Christopher Austin Thornton.

Jasper Vossburg: Ni’esha Na’sha Nelson.

Jefferson Davis Prentiss: Joy Dionne Powell.

Jones Ellisville: Labrittany Marshae Triplett.

Jones Laurel: Taylor Mackenzie Barkley, Vicky Carol Broome, Tacora Monique Houston, Nadia A       McKenzie, Diana Shai Moore, Cody Lee Pitts, Richard Anthony Pitts and Brandon Yanez.

Jones Sandersville: Haley Elizabeth Boutwell and Molly Olivia Mize.

Jones Soso: Emma J Williams.

Kemper Ovett: Jonnah Elizabeth Walters.

Lamar Hattiesburg: Inez Latrice Bridgeman, Johni Cassidy Graham, Megan Michaela McMichael and Miracle M Murrell.

Lauderdale Meridian: Chanece Lanae Denton.

Leake  Carthage: Brittany Blair Thompson.

Madison Camden: Laura Kristen Walker.

Newton Canton: Erien Ashaureyah Caldwell.

Rankin Braxton: Samuel Logan Marshall.

Rankin Florence: Baylee Chance.

Simpson Magee: Alexis Keonna Taylor.

Simpson Mendenhall: Cyndi Leigh Colson.

Smith Bay Springs: Christi Duckworth Smith and Keegan Daniel Tumblin.

Smith Raleigh: Hayley Deann Revette and Jaylen Makenna Stringer.

Smith Taylorsville: Daniel Martinez.

Walthall Tylertown: Taquana S Magee.

Wayne Buckatunna: Abigail Grace Rigney.

Wayne Waynesboro: Christopher Dalton Hudson, Drake Allan Loftin and Janice Renee Price.

 

Jones College’s practical nursing grads are ready for new challenges

ELLISVILLE – A pinning and graduation ceremony for 21 students who recently finished Jones College’s Practical Nursing program was held to celebrate their accomplishments while overcoming many obstacles. Completing the one-year program, was a challenge for some like 31-year-old Le’Chasity Taylor of Hattiesburg. The single mother of a 10-year-old girl previously earned an associate of arts degree in veterinary medicine. After working in the animal world for one and half years, she decided to find a new career working at Forrest General Hospital which lasted nine years working for different departments including the pathology lab, clinic lab and as an acute care tech on the medical surgical floor. Still wanting more, Taylor pursued a career in nursing.

“Without the support and encouragement of my family it would have been even harder without their push. With a few prayers and my family, I am here about to graduate,” said Taylor.

Christi Smith with Teresa McDonald, Assistant Dean of Health Sciences

Christi Smith of Bay Springs also overcame the challenges of raising a 2-year-old, and a 6-year-old with her husband Devan while enrolled in the three-semester program. She left her job at Magnolia State Bank after six years, to fulfill the dream she’s had since high school.

“Nursing school was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done, on top of having kids and a husband but I really enjoyed it,” Smith shared. “I couldn’t have done this without my supporters and the amazing instructors. I’m really excited Jones College is expanding the Practical Nursing program to Jasper County to make it more convenient for more people to earn their degree closer to home.”

Smith plans to return to Jones College after working for a year to earn her Associates Degree in Nursing. After earning the Florence Nightingale Award at the pinning and graduation ceremony at Jones College, Smith said it just confirms that nursing is what she needs to do.

“I just about cried when they called my name. I am honored and I hope I can live up to the expectations that the founder of nursing embodied,” said Smith.

Maggie Mason being pinned by Amy Myers, Practical Nursing Director

For Maggie Mason, being a Jones College graduate of nursing is the continuation of a legacy established by Mason’s great grandmother, Martha Clanton and Maggie’s mother, Wanda Mason. The Wayne County family has worked in home health care for 20 and 25 years respectively before continuing their nursing careers at the Wayne County Nursing Home. Maggie hopes to follow a similar path as she celebrates joining the ranks of the nursing profession.

“I’ve always looked up to them as role models since I was in kindergarten, as being really awesome. It is so awesome to be here today, since I waited for this day, forever it seems! There were times I felt like it wasn’t going to happen, but I tried really hard, and I’m really excited about being here,” said Maggie.

Practical Nursing instructor, Ashley Harrison awards Keyera Waters with the Academic Excellence Award.

During the ceremony, the faculty recognized three students for different accomplishments. The Academic Excellence Award was given to the student who demonstrated the ability to not only achieve, but who also excelled in scholastic activities. Keyera Waters of Laurel had the highest average and demonstrated superior academic performance.

Arseunna Hardin from New Augusta was selected for the Rising Star Award. Faculty felt like she had shown continuous dedication and exceptional growth in the classroom and clinical studies. Her positive attitude and perseverance enriched her professionalism and nursing knowledge. The Florence Nightingale Award was given to Smith because like the founder of nursing, Smith embodies the spirit of nursing by exhibiting professionalism, integrity, and selflessness

Practical nursing instructors Ashley Harrison and Jill Burge award Arseunna Hardin with the Rising Star Award.

towards humanity. These are the qualities Nightingale implemented into the nursing profession, along with compassion and dedication for all patients.

The pinning and graduation ceremony culminated with the traditional lighting of the nursing lamp, like Nightingale used to see for the injured soldiers of the Crimean War in 1853. Faculty members lit their lamps and passed the flame to each student as a symbolic measure of passing on their knowledge.

“Graduates, as you leave here and begin your careers, you too will bring light to the sick, the anxious and the suffering…. Let your light shine before men so they may see your good works. Never forget how important you are. You have accomplished a great thing. We are very proud of you so go out there and let your light shine!” said Practical Nursing instructor, Jill Burge.

For more information about Jones College’s Practical Nursing Program at the Jasper County Center, call the Jasper County Center at (601) 477-5473 or check out the website at https://www.jcjc.edu/workforce/locations/jasper-campus/ and to learn more about Jones College’s Practical Nursing program click on the website at https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/practicalnursing/.

Jones College’s Dr. Lindsey Keay selected for national performance

ELLISVILLE – Jones College’s Assistant Director of Bands and flute instructor, Dr. Lindsey Keay is wrapping up a summer filled with “flutetastic” opportunities. On August 11, she’ll be headed to Chicago to perform a solo and as part of a flute quartet at the National Flute Associations’ annual convention. She was selected by her former University of Texas-Austin Professor, Karl Kraber who is being recognized for a Lifetime Achievement Award.

In 2013, Professor Karl Kraber and Dr. Lindsey Keay had the opportunity to catch up and pose for a picture.

“He retired when I was a sophomore in college in Austin and he worked with me for only two years,” said Keay. “I’m flattered, Professor Kraber remembered me and asked me to play one of his favorite pieces, Ballade by composer Frank Martin. We worked on it for my sophomore year jury, which is like a final exam.”

Originally, the National Flute Association’s convention concert was supposed to take place in 2020. However, the Covid-19 pandemic forced the NFA to cancel its conventions for two years. Now, after “a lot” has happened, Keay is excited to finally be able to perform for her professor as he’s being honored for a lifetime of success.

Ballade is part of the standard repertoire so as a sophomore, I remember being really excited about playing this piece my professor chose for me to work on. It’s not your typical happy flute music I had played so much of before. It’s more of a 20th century piece-kind of creepy sounding and really different, with some incredibly fast runs,” said Keay. “I remember being excited and scared because I really wanted to impress Professor Kraber.”

This was the last piece Professor Kraber heard from his then student play. However, he specifically wanted Dr. Keay to not only play the Ballade solo, but to also perform a Mozart piece Kraber arranged, as part of a flute quartet. Only 10 of Kraber’s former flute students were selected by him to perform as part of the evening concert to honor Kraber’s lifetime of work.

“I want to perform and do well to honor him. In fact, I’ll be performing for both of my former professors, Marianne Gedigian and Kraber, so it’s a little intimidating. Additionally, other high level flute players and professors at major universities will be in attendance. I’m also sharing the stage with other flutists I consider to be ‘super stars,’” said Keay. “I’m also very appreciative of my colleagues, Dr. Burge and Dr. Frans for supporting me in this endeavor while they finish band camp at Jones without me. We all value these opportunities which are important for us in perfecting our performance skills.”

Earlier this summer, Keay spent some time helping her former college friend, Dr. Julee Kim who teaches at the University of Texas A&M-Commerce and isthe founder and coordinator of the Summer Flute Symposium. Besides assisting with the flute choir, Keay taught Yoga and breathing exercises. Her “flutetastic” summer has also been a time of reflecting as she begins her ninth year of teaching at Jones College. A few of the students she has taught, like

Scarlett Sandifer, 2017 JC flute graduate

Jones College 2017 graduate, Scarlett Sandifer is beginning her teaching career at South Jones High School.

“I’m grateful for my teachers and as I reflect on my experience and who I was as a student, and who I am now as a teacher because of them. I’m not sure I appreciated them like I do now.” Keay explained, “I attribute my success as an orchestral player to Professor Gedigian. She presented a whole new world of opportunity and what she taught me has been very applicable to what I’m doing in my professional career.”

Dr. Keay is a member of the Meridian and Gulf Coast Symphonies, and she is a regular substitute piccolo and flute player for the North Mississippi and Baton Rouge Symphonies and the Mobile, Alabama Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, Keay manages to teach private lessons, in addition to her band and teaching responsibilities at Jones College.