History of the Oxford Civic Chorus
By Jo Ann B. Miller / Updated By Chelsea Winnick
The first rehearsal/meeting of Oxford Civic Chorus was Monday evening, August 24, 1998 in the Fellowship Hall of the First Presbyterian Church. The chorus was made up of approximately 40 volunteer community members who had a desire to participate in choral singing. The original organizers were Gabriel C. Statom, a senior music major at the University of Mississippi, and Dr. Martha Hitch of the university’s Music Department faculty. Hitch and Statom were the chorus’ founding Artistic Directors.
The focus of the first year’s concerts was on performing large choral works with orchestra or instrumental ensembles, taking advantage of a then-existing state and regional funding program designed to bring quality classical music to new and wider audiences. The first concert was on November 15, 1998, at which time “Gloria” by Antonio Vivaldi and “Gloria” by John Rutter were presented, accompanied by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and the University of Mississippi Brass Ensemble.
In December of 1998, Oxford Civic Chorus led a community wide sing-along of “Messiah” by G.F. Handel. On May 1, 1999, “Requiem” by Johannes Brahms was presented, with Statom again directing the chorus and this time the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra from Jackson.
Statom graduated in May 1999 and left Oxford; Dr. Hitch continued leading the group in the fall, but because of serious illness, had to step down. She persuaded Dr. Robert Aubrey, also of the University of Mississippi music faculty, to take on the conducting responsibilities, and he directed the chorus and an orchestra of local musicians for another “Messiah” sing-along in December 1999.
The first rehearsal/meeting of Oxford Civic Chorus was Monday evening, August 24, 1998 in the Fellowship Hall of the First Presbyterian Church. The chorus was made up of approximately 40 volunteer community members who had a desire to participate in choral singing. The original organizers were Gabriel C. Statom, a senior music major at the University of Mississippi, and Dr. Martha Hitch of the university’s Music Department faculty. Hitch and Statom were the chorus’ founding Artistic Directors.
The focus of the first year’s concerts was on performing large choral works with orchestra or instrumental ensembles, taking advantage of a then-existing state and regional funding program designed to bring quality classical music to new and wider audiences. The first concert was on November 15, 1998, at which time “Gloria” by Antonio Vivaldi and “Gloria” by John Rutter were presented, accompanied by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and the University of Mississippi Brass Ensemble.
In December of 1998, Oxford Civic Chorus led a community wide sing-along of “Messiah” by G.F. Handel. On May 1, 1999, “Requiem” by Johannes Brahms was presented, with Statom again directing the chorus and this time the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra from Jackson.
Statom graduated in May 1999 and left Oxford; Dr. Hitch continued leading the group in the fall, but because of serious illness, had to step down. She persuaded Dr. Robert Aubrey, also of the University of Mississippi music faculty, to take on the conducting responsibilities, and he directed the chorus and an orchestra of local musicians for another “Messiah” sing-along in December 1999.
2000 - 2003
From its inception, the chorus has elected officers and a board of directors. Mr. Greg Parks, an attorney in Oxford, volunteered to draw up our official by-laws and standing rules. These were submitted to the IRS and Oxford Civic Chorus became incorporated with non-profit status on September 25, 2000. Although in our first year the singers also put on fund-raising events to pay for music, musicians, and other expenses, support now comes through members’ dues, individual and business donations, and grants from various sources.
The original officers and board members were: Ed Neilson, president; Wally Guess, vice president; Lisa Lake, secretary; Betty Guess, treasurer; Sherry Styers, publicist; Jo Ann Miller, historian; and Janis Miller, librarian. Community members of the board (non-singers) were Harry Alexander, Ulysses Howell, and Rev. Leroy Wadlington.
Oxford Civic Chorus can best be described through the mission statement written by Dr. Aubrey, adopted by the members, and later expanded:
The primary goals of the Oxford Civic Chorus are to provide artistic experiences to persons in the North Mississippi area, allowing members the opportunity to sing music from a variety of cultures and styles in a community setting; to promote cultural excellence and community pride; and to enrich and enlighten their audiences with each performance. The membership is made up of dedicated musicians who come from many areas of endeavor and from many differing experiences; each possesses a common desire to continue a musical journey throughout life. All are committed to the joy of music and to the expressive power that it brings.
In January 2000, Oxford Civic Chorus began rehearsing an entirely different kind of program, “The Best of Broadway,” which was presented in May 2000 in the Fellowship Hall of the First Presbyterian Church. Audience approval and appreciation were such that the chorus was asked to give the same program at the annual Fourth of July celebration in the Grove at Ole Miss. Again, the audience enthusiasm prompted a change of direction in programming by which it was hoped that an ever larger audience would be reached.
Beginning with the chorus’ Fall 2000 rehearsal schedule, preparations were begun for a pre-Thanksgiving concert of beloved American and patriotic songs. This took place Sunday, November 19 at 3:00 p.m., again in the First Presbyterian Fellowship Hall. On May 6, 2001, “From Stage and Screen,” music of theatre and film, was presented.
In August 2001, Ed Neilson asked to be replaced as board president, and Wally Guess became president, with Ed serving as vice president. Additional board and officer changes also took place at annual meetings of the corporation in subsequent years.
Fall of 2001 saw a change in direction as the chorus took on learning Rutter’s “Magnificat” which was presented at the Oxford-University United Methodist Church on December 16 with a guest soprano, Nancy Maria Balach, of the university music faculty. Dr. Aubrey designed another exciting program, “A Grand Night For Singing,” featuring some of America’s favorite tunes, for our spring concert on Sunday, May 12, 2002. Nancy Maria Balach was again our guest soprano.
Because of increasing teaching responsibilities, Dr. Aubrey resigned in August of 2002. Philip Walkley, a senior music major at the university, was chosen as the new director. Our fall concert was given on Saturday, November 16, 2002, at the First Presbyterian Fellowship Hall, and the audience was the largest ever. The program was entitled “Sound and Spirit: A Celebration of American Spirituals.”
The original officers and board members were: Ed Neilson, president; Wally Guess, vice president; Lisa Lake, secretary; Betty Guess, treasurer; Sherry Styers, publicist; Jo Ann Miller, historian; and Janis Miller, librarian. Community members of the board (non-singers) were Harry Alexander, Ulysses Howell, and Rev. Leroy Wadlington.
Oxford Civic Chorus can best be described through the mission statement written by Dr. Aubrey, adopted by the members, and later expanded:
The primary goals of the Oxford Civic Chorus are to provide artistic experiences to persons in the North Mississippi area, allowing members the opportunity to sing music from a variety of cultures and styles in a community setting; to promote cultural excellence and community pride; and to enrich and enlighten their audiences with each performance. The membership is made up of dedicated musicians who come from many areas of endeavor and from many differing experiences; each possesses a common desire to continue a musical journey throughout life. All are committed to the joy of music and to the expressive power that it brings.
In January 2000, Oxford Civic Chorus began rehearsing an entirely different kind of program, “The Best of Broadway,” which was presented in May 2000 in the Fellowship Hall of the First Presbyterian Church. Audience approval and appreciation were such that the chorus was asked to give the same program at the annual Fourth of July celebration in the Grove at Ole Miss. Again, the audience enthusiasm prompted a change of direction in programming by which it was hoped that an ever larger audience would be reached.
Beginning with the chorus’ Fall 2000 rehearsal schedule, preparations were begun for a pre-Thanksgiving concert of beloved American and patriotic songs. This took place Sunday, November 19 at 3:00 p.m., again in the First Presbyterian Fellowship Hall. On May 6, 2001, “From Stage and Screen,” music of theatre and film, was presented.
In August 2001, Ed Neilson asked to be replaced as board president, and Wally Guess became president, with Ed serving as vice president. Additional board and officer changes also took place at annual meetings of the corporation in subsequent years.
Fall of 2001 saw a change in direction as the chorus took on learning Rutter’s “Magnificat” which was presented at the Oxford-University United Methodist Church on December 16 with a guest soprano, Nancy Maria Balach, of the university music faculty. Dr. Aubrey designed another exciting program, “A Grand Night For Singing,” featuring some of America’s favorite tunes, for our spring concert on Sunday, May 12, 2002. Nancy Maria Balach was again our guest soprano.
Because of increasing teaching responsibilities, Dr. Aubrey resigned in August of 2002. Philip Walkley, a senior music major at the university, was chosen as the new director. Our fall concert was given on Saturday, November 16, 2002, at the First Presbyterian Fellowship Hall, and the audience was the largest ever. The program was entitled “Sound and Spirit: A Celebration of American Spirituals.”
2003 - 2007
After Philip Walkley graduated and left Oxford, Herbert V.R.P. Jones, a University of Mississippi doctoral student in choral music, was selected to direct Oxford Civic Chorus in Fall 2003. Herb brought a wealth of knowledge and experience, having worked with choirs all over the country as an educator and clinician. During the next four years under his leadership the Chorus again ventured into new territory by including other musical groups in our programming, through festivals and joint concerts. Herb completed his D.M.A. degree in 2007 and returned to his home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to begin a new phase in his career.
2007 - 2009
Fall 2007 found Oxford Civic Chorus again in need of a new director, and fortune smiled. Dr. Jerry Jordan and Mrs. Jean Jordan agreed to co-direct the chorus, and a new era of artistic growth and excellence began. The Jordans led one of the most active and accomplished collegiate choral programs in the U.S. for 21 years at Ole Miss. Under their leadership Oxford Civic Chorus began auditioning singers for the first time in Fall 2008, and even so the group’s membership more than doubled.
2009 - 2015
An Ole Miss bachelor’s and master’s music graduate, Brooke Bagley Worthy, was named Oxford Civic Chorus Artistic Director in Fall 2009. Brooke is a Fulbright Scholarship recipient who studied at the Zoltan Kodaly Pedagogical Institute of Music in Kecskemet, Hungary. Her career has included positions as choral music director for the Oxford Middle School, private voice teacher for the Oxford Academy of Fine Arts, children’s choir director for St. Peter’s Episcopal Church of Oxford, and director of the Oxford Children’s Choir.
2015 - 2020
In 2015, Thomas Ardrey was named the Artistic Director for the Chorus as well as being the choral director at Oxford High school in Oxford, Mississippi, where he teaches choir, AP Music Theory, and general music. A native of Madison, Alabama, he received a Bachelors of Music Education in vocal music education from Auburn University in 2012, where he studied with Drs. Rosephanye and William Powell, Dr. Sarah Lynn Blard and Dr. Jane Keuhne. He is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, American Guild of Organists, National Association for Music Education, percussive Arts Society, American Musicological Society, Pi Kappa Lambda, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
In March of 2020, Oxford Civic Chorus was working on “Alzheimer’s Stories” by Robert Cohen. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic rehearsals were suspended, and during this time Ardrey resigned as choral director. The chorus also saw a change in leadership, with Greg Mitchell becoming president of the board, Chris Koban becoming vice president, Kaleel Rahaim treasurer, and LaChelle Dyminski secretary. Oxford Civic Chorus was not able to reconvene until the summer of 2021, when they began a search for a new director.
In March of 2020, Oxford Civic Chorus was working on “Alzheimer’s Stories” by Robert Cohen. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic rehearsals were suspended, and during this time Ardrey resigned as choral director. The chorus also saw a change in leadership, with Greg Mitchell becoming president of the board, Chris Koban becoming vice president, Kaleel Rahaim treasurer, and LaChelle Dyminski secretary. Oxford Civic Chorus was not able to reconvene until the summer of 2021, when they began a search for a new director.
2021 - Present
In August 2021, Anthony Williams became artistic director. Williams, a native of Bruce, Mississippi, attended Millsaps College, the University of Memphis and the American Institute of Musical Studies in Austria and earned bachelor's and master's degrees in vocal performance and vocal music. His background includes music instruction at Memphis University School, Christian Brothers University and the Germantown Community Chorus, vocal performance and direction at numerous churches, and assistant cantor at Temple Israel in Memphis. His vision for Oxford Civic Chorus was to increase in size, quality and performances.
Rehearsal resumed in-person with precautions taken to protect singers from the continued threat of the pandemic and the chorus began preparing their annual holiday concert.
In October 2021, Williams resigned and Debra Atkinson and Creighton Holder took over as co-directors and accompanists. In the spring of 2022, Oxford Civic Chorus began to prepare a concert entitled “From Darkness to Light”, featuring “Lux Aeterna” by Morten Lauridsen and “Requiem” by John Rutter. In February of 2022 Russia invaded the Ukraine, causing a major refugee crisis. In light of that conflict Oxford Civic Chorus, at the recommendation of choir member of former board member Hubert Spears, decided to donate a portion of the door donations to Ukrainian relief organizations. After a successful performance, a small committee appointed by board president Greg Mitchell decided to donate the full proceeds from the concert, totaling $2,385, to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) committee for Ukraine.
The 2022-2023 season saw an increase in activity. OCC performed in collaboration at the annual "Veterans Day Salute" hosted by the University of Mississippi Music Department, sang Christmas carols at the Christmas Tree Lighting on the Square and again at the Magnolia Assisted Living Facility, and performed "Wintertide Awakes" at the David H. Nutt Auditorium. In April the choir joined forces with the Greenwood Chorale, directed by Paul Brown, and performed "A Musical Mosaic". The OCC spring concert was entitled "When Memory Fades: A Benefit Concert for Memory Makers". With this performance the choir was able to donate $3,460 to Memory Makers: Respite Day Services of Oxford. This concert fulfilled a joint partnership that began in 2020 and had been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rehearsal resumed in-person with precautions taken to protect singers from the continued threat of the pandemic and the chorus began preparing their annual holiday concert.
In October 2021, Williams resigned and Debra Atkinson and Creighton Holder took over as co-directors and accompanists. In the spring of 2022, Oxford Civic Chorus began to prepare a concert entitled “From Darkness to Light”, featuring “Lux Aeterna” by Morten Lauridsen and “Requiem” by John Rutter. In February of 2022 Russia invaded the Ukraine, causing a major refugee crisis. In light of that conflict Oxford Civic Chorus, at the recommendation of choir member of former board member Hubert Spears, decided to donate a portion of the door donations to Ukrainian relief organizations. After a successful performance, a small committee appointed by board president Greg Mitchell decided to donate the full proceeds from the concert, totaling $2,385, to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) committee for Ukraine.
The 2022-2023 season saw an increase in activity. OCC performed in collaboration at the annual "Veterans Day Salute" hosted by the University of Mississippi Music Department, sang Christmas carols at the Christmas Tree Lighting on the Square and again at the Magnolia Assisted Living Facility, and performed "Wintertide Awakes" at the David H. Nutt Auditorium. In April the choir joined forces with the Greenwood Chorale, directed by Paul Brown, and performed "A Musical Mosaic". The OCC spring concert was entitled "When Memory Fades: A Benefit Concert for Memory Makers". With this performance the choir was able to donate $3,460 to Memory Makers: Respite Day Services of Oxford. This concert fulfilled a joint partnership that began in 2020 and had been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Past performances
May 7, 2023
April 23, 2023
Dec. 4, 2022
May 1, 2022
Dec. 12, 2021
Nov. 9, 2021
Jan. 18, 2020
Dec. 8, 2019
Nov. 11, 2019
May 5, 2019
Dec. 9, 2018
May 7, 2018
Dec. 10, 2017
May 1, 2017
Dec. 6, 2016
April 24, 2016
Dec. 14, 2015
May 11, 2015
Nov. 17, 2014
May 5, 2014
Nov. 24, 2013
May 6, 2013
Dec. 9, 2012
May 7, 2012
Nov. 6, 2011
May 9, 2011
Nov. 14, 2010
May 2, 1010
Dec. 12, 2009
May 3, 2009
April 15, 2009
April 3, 2009
May 4, 2008
April 18, 2008
Nov. 27, 2007
Nov. 11, 2007
April 22, 2007
Dec. 10, 2006
April 22, 2006
Dec. 10, 2005
April 24, 2005
April 21, 2005
Dec. 11, 2004
May 2, 2004
April 20, 2004
Dec. 7, 2003
Nov. 16, 2002
May 12, 2002
Dec. 16, 2001
May 6, 2001
Nov. 19, 2000
May 2000
Dec. 1999
May 1, 1999
Dec. 1998
Nov. 15, 1998: Inaugural Performance
- When Memory Fades: A Benefit Concert for Memory Makers
April 23, 2023
- A Musical Mosaic
- In collaboration with the Greenwood Chorale
Dec. 4, 2022
- Wintertide Awakes
May 1, 2022
- From Darkness to Light: A Prayer for Ukraine
Dec. 12, 2021
- Tidings of Comfort and Joy
Nov. 9, 2021
- A Veterans Day Concert Salute
- In conjunction with the University of Mississippi Orchestra and Choir
Jan. 18, 2020
- “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
- In conjunction with the East Saint Peter Missionary Baptist Church for the annual public reading of “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dec. 8, 2019
- Songs Beneath a Winter Moon
Nov. 11, 2019
- A Veterans Day Concert Salute
- In conjunction with the University of Mississippi Orchestra and Choir
May 5, 2019
- As Time Goes By: Music from the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s
Dec. 9, 2018
- “Messiah” by G.F. Handel
May 7, 2018
- Journey Through Song: Music from Around the World
Dec. 10, 2017
- A Garland of Carols
May 1, 2017
- Music from Mississippi Composers: Celebrating the Mississippi Bicentennial
Dec. 6, 2016
- “Requiem for the Living” by Dan Forrest
April 24, 2016
- The Great American Songbook
Dec. 14, 2015
- A Ticket to Ride: An English Review
May 11, 2015
- “Elijah” by Mendelssohn
- In conjunction with the Germantown Community Chorus and the Germantown Symphony Orchestra
Nov. 17, 2014
- Free at Last: Music Inspired by the American Civil Rights Movement
- In conjunction with the UM Gospel Choir, Mississippians Jazz Ensemble, Lafayette High School Choir, Oxford High School Choir, and Blue Ten Harmony for the 50th anniversary of Mississippi Freedom Summer
May 5, 2014
- Let’s Go to the Movies
Nov. 24, 2013
- The Poet Sings
May 6, 2013
- I Will Sing: Voices of American History
Dec. 9, 2012
- A Festive Baroque Christmas
May 7, 2012
- Music, Spread Thy Voice Around: The Best of Oxford Civic Chorus
Nov. 6, 2011
- Chantez! A Celebration of French Choral Music
May 9, 2011
- Hooray for Hollywood
Nov. 14, 2010
- Music of the People: Folk Songs of the World
May 2, 1010
- How Can I Keep from Singing
Dec. 12, 2009
- Sing We Now of Christmas
- In conjunction with the Oxford Community Bell Choir
May 3, 2009
- Guest Concert at Germantown Presbyterian Church in Germantown, Tennessee
April 15, 2009
- MS Chapter of the ACDA Convention in Jackson, Mississippi
April 3, 2009
- Spring Joint Concert with UAB
- In conjunction with the University of Alabama at Birmingham Concert Choir
- Nov. 15, 2008
- 2008 Fall Concert
May 4, 2008
- Spring Concert
April 18, 2008
- Spring Joint Choral Concert
- In conjunction with the choirs of the University of Alabama at Birmingham
Nov. 27, 2007
- Yokoke: The Thanking presented by Yoknapatawpha Arts Council
Nov. 11, 2007
- Celebrating New Beginnings
April 22, 2007
- A Collage of Spring Choral Sounds
- In conjunction with Byhalia High School Choir, Coahoma CC Concert Choir, and Corinth High School for Academics and Performing
Dec. 10, 2006
- 'Holly-Day' Choral Sounds
April 22, 2006
- A Spring Concert Celebration
- In conjunction with the Greenville-Weston High School Concert Choir
Dec. 10, 2005
- Music, the Gift of Life
- In conjunction with the Greenville-Weston High School Concert Choir
April 24, 2005
- Spring Choral Sounds: featuring “Gloria” by Vivaldi and others
April 21, 2005
- Second Oxford Festival of Choirs
- In conjunction with Oxford Community Band and ten other regional choirs from north Mississippi and Memphis
Dec. 11, 2004
- Joyful Sounds of Christmas
May 2, 2004
- The Choral Sounds of Spring
April 20, 2004
- The Oxford Festival of Choirs
- In conjunction with the Oxford Community Band, United Voices of Praise of Sardis, MS, and the choirs of Oxford-University United Methodist Church, North Oxford Baptist Church, and First Baptist Church
Dec. 7, 2003
- Sounds of the Season
Nov. 16, 2002
- Sound and Spirit: A Celebration of American Spirituals
May 12, 2002
- A Grand Night for Singing: America’s Favorite Tunes
Dec. 16, 2001
- “Magnificat” by John Rutter
May 6, 2001
- From Stage & Screen: Music of Theatre and Film
Nov. 19, 2000
- American and Patriotic Songs
May 2000
- The Best of Broadway
Dec. 1999
- “Messiah” by G.F. Handel
May 1, 1999
- “Requiem” by Johannes Brahms
Dec. 1998
- “Messiah” by G.F. Handel
Nov. 15, 1998: Inaugural Performance
- “Gloria” by Antonio Vivaldi & “Gloria” by John Rutter