Listen to the virtual commencement for 2020. Due to an international health crisis, we were forced to abruptly end our school year on campus, but seniors persevered and finished strong. We'll hear from Jonathan Blake Sauls (Salutatorian), Jessica Ramsey Luke (Valedictorian), Dr. Nathan Oakley (Chief Academic Officer at the Mississippi Department of Education), and a commencement address by 2006 vocal music alum, Ezekiel McCall.

We congratulate 2020 MSA Hall of Fame inductee, Jawan Hopson. Jawan, a 2012 vocal music alum, pursued a bachelor's degree in Arts and Entertainment Management from Pace University, and currently employed at Black Entertainment Television in New York City.

 	Virtual Commencement 2020
 	E10 – Ezekiel Andrew McCall Shares Insight as a Performing Artist

E12: Commencement 2020 for the Mississippi School of the Arts

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We go back to Mississippi School of the Arts' Commencement 2016. Marshall Ramsey, the former editorial cartoonist for The Clarion Ledger, was invited to speak to departing seniors. Marshall gives a message of hope and encouragement. During these times of 2020, we encourage our seniors with a message of hope to excel in whatever they decide to do throughout life.

Marshall is currently the Editor-At-Large for Mississippi Today newspaper and a show host on Mississippi Public Broadcasting.

 	Marshall Ramsey on Twitter
 	Marshall Ramsey Facebook Fan Page
 	Marshall Ramsey web site

 

 

 

E11: Editorial Cartoonist Marshall Ramsey: A Message to Graduates

A native of Greenwood, Mississippi, Ezekiel McCall is rising in the ranks as a theater star. A graduate of Mississippi School of the Arts, Mississippi College and the University of Southern Mississippi, McCall has performed in numerous events all over the country. He is also a past recipient of the MSA Alumni Hall of Fame.

The Phantom in "Phantom of the Opera," the Beast in "Beauty and the Beast," and Coalhouse Porter in "Ragtime" are just a few performances in his portfolio.

Ezekiel joined us at MSA to conduct masterclasses and was the center of a dinner theatre performance benefit for the Mississippi School of the Arts Foundation held February 21, 2020. Ezekiel also joined us for an interview on Creative Expression, sharing his insight on how he got started, the performance industry today, and some encouraging steps it takes to get there.

 	Ezekiel Andrew official web site
 	"Ezekiel Andrew, Baritone" Facebook Page
 	Theater star returns to his roots at MSA, teaching and performing via The Daily Leader

Suzanne Hirsch (Host), Ezekiel McCall (Guest). Digital music by Thomas Hart (Media c/o 2018).

E10: Ezekiel Andrew McCall Shares Insight as a Performing Artist

Shaw Furlow recently joined us in the podcast studio. When he's not behind a microphone or musical instrument, he's out promoting the local music scene in Brookhaven. A 1969 graduate of Brookhaven High School, Shaw left his hometown to obtain his degree and pursue a career in music. After teaching music in education from middle school to high school, he returned to Brookhaven and finished his day-to-day career at Copiah-Lincoln Community College, where he was an instructor and band director for the Blue Wave Show Band, a stint that lasted sixteen years. His goals in songwriting, artist promotion and music production hasn't slowed down, though. Show up at any music festival or event in the area and you'll most likely see his face amongst the crowd.

Listen to Episode 9 of Creative Expression as Shaw Furlow shares his personal story and provides a true story about Brookhaven native Bob Pittman, the co-founder of Music Television (MTV) and CEO of iHeartMedia. Find out what local music and art talent means to Shaw. Are we on the brink of an explosive arts culture in Mississippi? Listen and decide.

 	www.musicfromtheshadyside.com
 	Don Jacobs & Shaw Furlow | Mapping a Modern MS
 	Brookhaven: A Look Into the Music Scene
 	Brookhaven's Music Men Shaw Furlow and Tyler Bridge celebrated by Co-Lin
 	Overbrook Songwriter's Festival
 	iHeartMedia CEO Bob Pittman on the future of audio and big tech
 	Clear Channel chief: Technology 'an opportunity, not a risk'

Patrick Brown (Host), Shaw Furlow (Guest). Digital music by Thomas Hart (Media c/o 2018). Photo: Shaw Furlow stands in front of Peavey Electronics sign in Meridian, Mississippi, one of the world's largest musical instrument and pro audio equipment manufacturers.

E9: Shaw Furlow: An Educator and a Musician’s Friend

Listen to the Mississippi School of the Arts' Commencement 2019. Speakers include Dr. Sebrina Palmer, director of professional development and state special schools at the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE), Dr. Nathan Oakley, Chief Academic Officer at MDE, Lydia Taylor (salutatorian), Zoe Holley (valedictorian), and Alysia Steele, the author of Delta Jewels. The commencement ends with a special composition by Patton Rice (Vocal Music instructor) entitled "To This We've Come," sung by members of the MSA Chorale.

Commencement was held May 23rd, 2019, at Hurst Auditorium, the fine arts center for Southwest Mississippi Community College.

 	Episode 5 - Telling Stories with Alysia Burton Steele

Suzanne Hirsch (executive director), Debra Henderson (principal), Photos by Tommie Hart and Tammy Stanford, Intro music by Thomas Hart (Media c/o 2018).

E12: Commencement 2020 for the Mississippi School of the Arts

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