The Mid-South Honor Band Clinic, which draws band students and music educators from Mississippi and surrounding states to the University of Mississippi, is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. The event, sponsored by the Department of Music and Ole Miss Bands, includes intensive workshops, performances and mentorship. Submitted photo
Students to observe and participate in performances at Ford Center
By Erin Garrett
Some 250 top high school musicians from across the Southeast will converge on the University of Mississippi campus beginning February 15 for the Mid-South Honor Band Clinic.
The immersive three-day clinic is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year.
Founded in 1978, the clinic draws band students and music educators from Mississippi and surrounding states, including Arkansas, Alabama, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Georgia. The event provides intensive workshops, performances, and mentorship.
“The Mid-South Honor Band is one of the premier events of its kind in the nation,” said Tim Oliver, Ole Miss director of bands. “Former director of bands Luther Snavely started this event nearly 50 years ago, and today it continues to be a vibrant and engaging musical experience for all participants.
“Our band faculty, staff, and students are very excited to welcome all of these high school band students and their directors to our campus.”
This year’s event builds on a decades-long legacy of promoting music education and fostering connections.
Each participant will have an opportunity to work with “some of the best directors in the country” while meeting and interacting with their peers, said Mel Morse, assistant director of bands.
Throughout the three days, students will observe performances by the Mississippians Jazz Ensemble, University Symphonic Band, and Ole Miss Wind Ensemble. The event will conclude with a concert at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, February 17 where the student musicians will showcase their talents.
Seniors have an opportunity to audition for band scholarships while on campus.
“The Mid-South Honor Band Clinic is designed to help further music education in our community and enrich the band students with an event that both celebrates their abilities and gives them a performance opportunity with the finest musicians in the Mid-South,” Morse said. “It also promotes the Ole Miss band program and what it can do for student musicians.”
Regional band directors look forward to the clinic each year, said Randy Dale, associate director of bands.
“We have done much work to make their experience on our campus exciting and memorable,” Dale said. “Having these students here is a great opportunity for us to connect with them and show them all the great things that Ole Miss has to offer.
“We are very excited for the clinic to kick off, and we are confident that it will be one of our best years ever.”
The Ole Miss Bands and University of Mississippi Department of Music sponsor the event.
