Spirit of Southern A Capella Competition Set for October at USM
Thu, 09/01/2022 - 10:58am | By: Hanif Lawrence
Contemporary a cappella music takes centerstage at the Mannoni Performing Arts Center
on The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Hattiesburg campus on Saturday, Oct.
8 with the inaugural Spirit of Southern Invitational (SOSI).
Hosted by the University’s contemporary a cappella ensemble, the competition is produced by the USM School of Music and Southern Miss Choral Activities with generous sponsorship by Ben L. Calhoun Jr. State Farm.
A cappella choirs and choral ensembles are encouraged to contact event director Jonathan Kilgore at 601.266.4892 or Jonathan.KilgoreFREEMississippi for registration and information.
SOSI competition will feature ensembles sorted in six divisions. Contemporary a cappella groups will perform three pieces and choral ensembles will perform two. The performances will be adjudicated by a panel of choral and contemporary a cappella practitioners from across the southern region. Following assessments, each ensemble will receive individualized feedback and trophies will be awarded across all six divisions.
“Contemporary a cappella is picking up steam in our state but this genre needs its own path forward in Mississippi. This one-day competition will be extremely beneficial to teachers who are preparing for competition season or for performance assessment season.” Kilgore said. “They will get valuable feedback, early, to better equip their students for success.”
SOSI is geared toward contemporary a cappella groups and small traditional choral ensembles from middle schools, high schools, and community colleges. Registration is open now and will close on September 8. The cost to register is $300 per group.
The event also invites the community to come and enjoy the performances. The public is invited to hear fantastic music, watch the adjudicated performances, and USM’s a cappella group, the Spirit of Southern, in a special showcase performance. General admission tickets are available at the door for $15 per person for the day.