Mississippi College Choctaw Chorus Set for Spring Concert

Choctaw Chorus conductor Mark Nabholz

Antonio Vivaldi was considered one of the world’s greatest Baroque composers. Born in Venice, Italy, his splendid piece “Gloria” continues to be performed on stages around the globe. Vivaldi died in Vienna, Austria in 1741.

In 2019, Mississippi College audiences will get the opportunity to see MC’s Choctaw Chorus present Vivaldi’s “Gloria” in a March 31 concert. Sponsored by the MC Department of Music, the program at historic Provine Chapel is free and open to the public. The event on the Clinton campus begins at 3 p.m. that Sunday.

The Choctaw Chorus will be accompanied by graduate student pianist Rachel Storey and a professional chamber orchestra.

The Choctaw Chorus consists of students from more than 20 academic majors at the Christian university. “These are people who sing because they love to sing,” says Mark Nabholz, the group’s conductor.

Many of the students shined as singers in high school choirs. “Singing continues to be an important part of their life,” says Nabholz, a music professor.

Choctaw Chorus singers are staying busy at rehearsals in the Aven Fine Arts Building.

There are 33 members of the Choctaw Chorus this Spring, including sopranos, altos, tenors and MC students who sing bass.

There are several metro Jackson students at Mississippi College who are Choctaw Chorus members. They include: Marilyn Sharp, Madeline Stanteen, and Rebecca Lambert, all of Clinton. Madison residents in the group are: Audrey Bennett and Chandler Greenwood.

Others from Central Mississippi cities include students Sarah Nicole Blackwell of Terry, Rebecca Ross of Pelahatchie, Tyler Quertermous of Canton and Whitney Johnson of Brandon. 

Others from the Magnolia State are: Kat Goss of Vicksburg, Hannah Cox of Lorman, Nathan May of French Camp, Chandler Smith of Philadelphia, Christopher Gholar of Columbus, Sarah Gardner of Vancleave and Nia McNight of Belzoni. Churt Thornton of Brookhaven, Carly Sparks of Kimberly and Shelby Hoskins of Collinsville round out the Mississippians in the talented group.

Two Choctaw Chorus singers live thousands of miles away from Mississippi. They are: Bella Fang of China and Leah Chen of Taiwan.