Oxford Civic Chorus Receives Over $5.5K in Grants to Kick Off New Season
Oxford, MS – The Oxford Civic Chorus (OCC) is excited as it prepares to launch its 26th season with the help of significant funding. Recently, the choir secured a major project grant of $4,500 from the Mississippi Arts Commission, a state agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. In addition, the chorus received a $1,250 grant from the Lafayette-Oxford Foundation for Tomorrow. These funds will play a crucial role in keeping quality choral music accessible to the local community in Lafayette, Oxford, and the broader north Mississippi region.
Open Rehearsals for All Interested Singers
The first rehearsal for the fall season is slated for Monday, August 19, at the Oxford University United Methodist Church, and is open to anyone interested in joining the choir, with no obligation required. Potential singers do not need to audition or possess a strong music background; they simply should be able to match pitch and have a willingness to learn. Current choir members represent a wide range of ages from late teens to seniors and come with various levels of singing experience.
Membership dues will cover the cost of music, and scholarships and internships are available, allowing students to participate at no cost. This makes the choir accessible to everyone interested in making music.
Personal Stories of Connection and Growth
One member, Amelia Craze, hails from Meridian and joined the choir in August 2023. As a graduate student at the University of Mississippi studying in a STEM field, she previously sang in school and church choirs. Craze shared how much she enjoys reconnecting with her musical roots: “I would say that something good about Oxford Civic Chorus is the way that it connects you with all sorts of people from all different walks of life,” she stated. “It gives you a chance to celebrate and make memories with them by joyously singing.”
Another member, Jennifer St. John, originally from Kansas City, Missouri, recently retired from the U.S. Navy. She has an established singing background from high school all-city and state choirs, along with participation in Navy command choirs. St. John joined OCC in January of this year and expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome she received: “Everybody is just so nice and so welcoming,” she said. “I was new here, and they welcomed me with open arms, and I just feel like they’re family.”
Encouragement to New Singers
Both Craze and St. John are keen on encouraging others to consider joining OCC. Craze stated, “I jumped back in after not singing for eight years. Everyone is so welcoming. All of the people in the chorus were very supportive. There are additional practices, and you can always listen to your buddy next to you if you get lost in a part. And it’s always all right to ask for help!”
St. John echoes this sentiment saying, “Someone inexperienced who wants to come sing with the choir, come on in. Our directors are amazing. It’s a lot of fun!”
A Tradition of Music and Community
The Oxford Civic Chorus has been serving as a beacon for singers and enriching the community since its founding in 1998. The choir holds weekly rehearsals and performs two concerts annually, along with being available to sing at local events. New members are always welcome to join.
For those interested in becoming part of this vibrant community, donating, or learning more about the Oxford Civic Chorus, details can be found online at oxfordcivicchorus.org and on Facebook at facebook.com/OxfordCivicChorus.
