MC Creates Teams Music and Art Departments

MC Music Department chair Angie Willoughby joins Sallie Kaye Streeter of Madison for a little work on a piano selection. Streeter is a recent MC graduate.

Gifted pianists will join talented dancers in a longstanding event called MC Creates.

“Dancing Pianos” is the title for this Spring event at Mississippi College on March 24. The student-produced program begins 7:30 p.m. at the Jean Pittman Williams Recital Hall.

The event at the Aven Fine Arts Building happens each year due to a close partnership between the MC music and art departments. The program on the Clinton campus is free. And the public is invited.

“It’s a celebration of the role of dance in music since (at least) 1525,” says Angela Willoughby, chair of the Music Department.

Pianists from the Music Department will perform timeless selections tied to the world of dance. During the performances, art students will display graphic designs they crafted.

“This year, we’ve even added dancing. Several of the pieces are choreographed and will be danced as part of the program,” Willoughby said.

It’s really a celebration of the wonderful partnership of two MC departments showcasing the arts.

“Our students enjoy the collaboration and the preparation,” Willoughby said. “The event highlights the connection that always exists between the arts.”

Willoughby serves as the event’s faculty coordinator for the Music Department. Graphic design professor Ben Ivey handles similar duties for the Art Department.

Among the student performers will be: pianists Chandler Greenwood of Madison, Morgan Vann and Evan Bergeron, both of Louisiana, Hannah Mullins of Brandon, along with Victoria Hilton of Tennessee. Josiah Scott of Jackson will showcase his talents as a pianist and dancer. Natalie Fehrenbacher of Brandon will play piano and dance.

MC Creates began about 15 years ago on the Clinton campus.