The University of Southern Mississippi School of Music

06/03/2026

The Southern Miss School of Music is sad to report that former School of Music faculty member John Donohue passed away last week.  Following the completion of his Ph.D. at Michigan State University, John joined the School of Music faculty, dedicating 35 years to teaching music theory and ear training before his retirement in 1999.
 
Visitation – Thursday, June 4th, 4pm-7pm 
Hulett-Winstead Funeral Home 
205 Bay St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
 
Funeral – Friday, June 5th, 11am 
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church 
3117 W 4th St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401

06/02/2026

The Southern Chorale, from The University of Southern Mississippi School of Music, launches an international America 250 tour through major cultural festivals in the United States and Europe. From the pine forests of Mississippi and FestivalSouth to historic venues in Italy, France, Latvia, and Estonia, the internationally celebrated Southern Chorale will carry the sounds of American music across two continents this summer in a tour that reflects both the artistic legacy of the American South and the global language of choral music.

Presented as part of the nationwide America 250 celebration, “Mississippi Sounds” places one of the nation’s premier collegiate choral ensembles on stages that have long served as gathering places for artistic exchange, sacred music, and international collaboration. The 50-voice choir will perform a distinctly American program showcasing Charles Ives, Caroline Shaw, Ted Hearne, Moses Hogan, Paul Williams and Marvin Gaye. Genres will span fine art music, gospel, spirituals, Mississippi blues and American popular music customized for the Southern Chorale by Southern Miss alumnus Jonathan Rodgers.

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The Southern Chorale, from The University of Southern Mississippi School of Music, launches an international America 250 tour through major cultural festivals in the United States and Europe. From the pine forests of Mississippi to historic venues in Italy, France, Latvia, and Estonia, the internat...

05/27/2026

More than 50 arts events kickoff June 4 and run through June 27 all over Hattiesburg. Many feature Southern Miss faculty, staff, students and alumni and are in campus venues including a first-ever concert in the Martha Tatum Theatre! READ MORE:

This June, FestivalSouth invites audiences from across the region to experience a monthlong celebration of the arts as the Pine Belt marks America’s 250th birthday in spectacular style. With more than 50 events spanning music, dance, theater, visual art and family programming, FestivalSouth 2026 b...

05/21/2026

The Band Department at The University of Southern Mississippi is pleased to announce that the Ocean Springs High School Wind Symphony has been selected to perform as the featured high school ensemble at the 2027 All-South Honor Band Conference. Selected through a peer-review process, the invitation noted the exceptional musical excellence of the students, leadership, and the outstanding quality of the program, placing it among the finest in the region.

The performance will take place at the Southern Miss Hattiesburg campus on Saturday, February 13, 2027, at 8 p.m. on the Thomas V. Fraschillo Stage at the Mannoni Performing Arts Center. The public is invited to this free concert as well as the other programs of the All-South weekend of activities.

The All-South Honor Band brings together outstanding student musicians and directors from across the region for a weekend of exceptional music-making at the state’s flagship School of Music. More information and registration for participation is available at usm.edu/band Ocean Springs High School

05/14/2026

Dr. Jared Shulse will be joining the School of Music faculty as Visiting Assistant Teaching Professor of Music Education starting in Fall 2026. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, and a Ph.D. in music education from the University of Iowa. A pianist, organist, and tubist by training, Dr. Shulse taught for 13 years in public schools in Missouri where he filled nearly every role imaginable teaching PK-12 music, mostly in small, rural, school districts. Dr. Shulse’s research agenda is focused on issues of equity for school music programs in underserved communities.

Says Dr. Shulse,  “I’m excited to be coming to Southern Miss. I’m eager and grateful to get to work with the next generation of music teachers as they build the skills and mindset to create meaningful musical experiences in the communities they will serve.”

05/14/2026

To the graduates of The University of Southern Mississippi, your School of Music congratulates you! As you spread your wings and soar beyond the nest, may your music continue to lift hearts, inspire communities, and carry the spirit of Southern Miss wherever life leads you. We hope you’ll return often, send us your future students, and keep sharing the Golden Eagle story far and wide. To the top! 💛🖤

05/09/2026

🎹✨ Southern Miss Piano Institute Spring Recital ✨🎹

Join us for an afternoon of music as the Southern Miss Piano Institute showcases talented pre-college students and community performers in this special spring recital.

📅 May 9, 2026
⏰ 1:30 PM
📍 Marsh Auditorium
🎟️ Free admission

Come support these musicians and enjoy a beautiful program of piano performances! 🎶

05/08/2026

Season tickets to ICONIC, the 107th Southern Miss Symphony Orchestra concert series, are now on sale! Visit usm.edu/symphony for details and complete information. You don’t want to miss a single note, so get your tickets now in an incredible package offer.
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