Jackson State University Department of Music

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Jackson State University Department of Music The JSU Music Department is home to the Sonic Boom of the South, Chorus, Jazz Ensembles, African Drum And Dance Ensemble and much more in Jackson, MS.

The Jackson State University Department of Music mourns the loss of Cassandra Wilson, distinguished JSU alumna, GRAMMY A...
09/02/2026

The Jackson State University Department of Music mourns the loss of Cassandra Wilson, distinguished JSU alumna, GRAMMY Award-winning jazz vocalist, and internationally celebrated artist.

From performing at JSU’s Jazz on the Plaza to stages around the world, Cassandra Wilson represented the very best of artistic excellence and carried the rich musical legacy of Jackson, Mississippi, wherever she performed.

Her extraordinary voice, artistry, and legacy will continue to inspire generations of musicians.
We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all who were touched by her music.

Rest well, Cassandra. Thee I Love.

The Jackson State University Department of Music proudly congratulates Dr. Phyllis Lewis-Hale and Dr. Roderick Little on...
08/20/2026

The Jackson State University Department of Music proudly congratulates Dr. Phyllis Lewis-Hale and Dr. Roderick Little on receiving tenure and promotion to the rank of Associate Professor!

Dr. Phyllis Lewis-Hale
Associate Professor of Music | Voice | Director of Opera Music Workshop

Dr. Roderick Little
Associate Professor of Music | Director of Bands

This significant professional milestone reflects their commitment to excellence in teaching, scholarship, creative activity, service, and the continued success of our students.

Please join us in celebrating Dr. Little and Dr. Lewis-Hale on this well-deserved achievement!

Congratulations from the JSU Department of Music!

JSUExcellence

Jackson State University Department of Music is pleased to welcome Mr. Orel Lee to our faculty as Visiting Assistant Pro...
08/19/2026

Jackson State University Department of Music is pleased to welcome Mr. Orel Lee to our faculty as Visiting Assistant Professor of Music and Coordinator of Jazz Studies!

Mr. Lee joins our department as we continue strengthening our commitment to musical excellence, student development, and the rich tradition of jazz at Jackson State University.

We are excited about the expertise, musicianship, and energy he brings to our students and the Department of Music.

Please join us in giving Mr. Orel Lee a warm JSU welcome!

📍 F.D. Hall Music Center | Studio 21

JSUJazz FacultySpotlight

Yesterday, Jubilee: A Folk Opera debuted with a premiere concert reading at Jackson State University, and it's difficult...
06/16/2026

Yesterday, Jubilee: A Folk Opera debuted with a premiere concert reading at Jackson State University, and it's difficult to put into words just how beautiful the evening was. With each crescendo, each chorus, and each round of applause, the room ignited with the spirit of memory, community, and compassion that Margaret Walker imbued her novel with in 1966.

From the gifted students who entertained guests beforehand, to the performers on stage, and to the opera veterans who worked behind the scenes to bring Jubilee to life, the level of talent and dedication demonstrated by everyone made the evening an unforgettable moment in Walker's enduring legacy.

To all our friends, community members, new visitors, and everyone who joined us to experience the Jubilee Opera, thank you very much for your attendance and support. We look forward to this production as the beginning of an exciting new era for Jubilee.

Join us for a week of amazing artistry and cultural enrichment! OPERA/SOUTH’s Revitalization is a community movement!! A...
06/05/2026

Join us for a week of amazing artistry and cultural enrichment! OPERA/SOUTH’s Revitalization is a community movement!! All public concerts are FREE!

In addition to a series of FREE public concerts, including the Southern Premiere of Jubilee: A Folk Opera—based on the acclaimed novel by Margaret Walker—on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 4:00 PM, OPERA/SOUTH’s Inaugural HBCU Opera & Musical Theater Summer Festival (June 7–14, 2026) is thrilled to welcome the extraordinary Dr. Tiffany Renee Jackson, “The Necessary Diva,” as one of our distinguished guest artist clinicians.

Dr. Jackson will present “An Entrepreneurship and Branding Workshop and Mini-Recital” on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 1:30 PM in the F.D. Hall Music Center at Jackson State University.

Join us for this historic inaugural festival week!

The 4th Annual Mississippi HBCU Music Research Symposium was an incredible success! A heartfelt THANK YOU to our disting...
04/03/2026

The 4th Annual Mississippi HBCU Music Research Symposium was an incredible success!

A heartfelt THANK YOU to our distinguished keynote speaker, Dr. Mark Phillips from Virginia State University, for delivering such an inspiring and impactful address.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to Dr. Darry E. Harris, Sr. and Mr. Orel Lee of our music faculty for their meaningful participation and continued commitment to excellence in music education.

Special thanks to Dr. Renardo Murray from Alcorn State University for sharing his expertise and providing valuable insight that enriched our symposium experience.

And to our outstanding graduate students, I am beyond proud of each of you! Your hard work, professionalism, and dedication truly shined throughout this event. The future of music education is in great hands!

The Annual PRISM Concert is back!
Experience an unforgettable evening of music featuring ALL ensembles from the JSU Depa...
02/24/2026

The Annual PRISM Concert is back!

Experience an unforgettable evening of music featuring ALL ensembles from the JSU Department of Music!

📅 Friday, March 6, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 Rose McCoy Auditorium

From powerful performances to stunning collaborations, PRISM brings every corner of the department together for one incredible night. You won’t want to miss it!

🔗 Learn more: https://www.jsums.edu/music/6th-annual-prism-concert/

We are proud to present our Annual Jazz on the Plaza featuring our Jazz Ensemble I, Jazz Ensemble II, Vocal Jazz, Jazz C...
02/11/2026

We are proud to present our Annual Jazz on the Plaza featuring our Jazz Ensemble I, Jazz Ensemble II, Vocal Jazz, Jazz Combo, the Mississippi School for the Blind, Local HS Jazz Groups and the Music Alive Ensemble of New Orleans, LA on Saturday, March 7th; 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM JSU University Lawn. Bring your lawn chairs to enjoy a wonderful afternoon of Jazz.

Big news! Internationally acclaimed soprano Angela Brown joins Jackson State University February 19–23, 2026, for an unf...
02/08/2026

Big news! Internationally acclaimed soprano Angela Brown joins Jackson State University February 19–23, 2026, for an unforgettable residency experience!

From mentorship and collaborative performance to a transformative masterclass, Ms. Brown will uplift the next generation of artists—affirming that their voices matter and their dreams are absolutely within reach.

Excellence is what we are all about, and we can’t wait! Join us!

Address

1400 John R Lynch Street
Jackson, MS
39217

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+16019792141

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