Oxford Civic Chorus

The Oxford Civic Chorus (OCC) is a chorus based in Oxford, Mississippi.

Mission statement

The primary goal of Oxford Civic Chorus is 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.

Brief History of OCC

The founding members of the Oxford Civic Chorus were an enthusiastic group with a variety of backgrounds and occupations, but they shared at least one thing in common – they loved singing and wanted to invite friends and neighbors to join them in making choral music available to the community. The founding Artistic Directors were Gabriel C. Statom, a senior music major at the University of Mississippi, and Dr. Martha Hitch of the University of Mississippi Music Department faculty.

Since OCC’s beginning, Oxford audiences have been treated to a variety of music ranging from tried and true classics to original composition premiers. Major classical works by Vivaldi - Gloria (Vivaldi), John Rutter -Gloria and Magnificat, Brahms -Requiem, and Handel Messiah (Handel) have been presented, and so has lighter music such as patriotic and popular songs, spirituals, stage and screen tunes, and folk songs, keeping chorus members challenged and audiences entertained. Performances have taken place in many settings – concert halls, churches, on the lawn of a historic house, on the Christmas Parade route, at local club meetings, in The Grove on the Fourth of July.

Over the years, the Oxford Civic Chorus has prospered and grown artistically under the leadership of talented and dedicated Music Directors, including Dr. Robert Aubrey (also of the University of Mississippi faculty), Philip Walkley (senior music major at the university), and the present director, Herbert Jones, a doctoral student in choral conducting and music education and Assistant to the Director of Choral Activities at the University of Mississippi.

The Oxford Civic Chorus is governed by elected officers and a board of directors, and is incorporated with non-profit tax-exempt status. Membership is open to all interested singers in the North Mississippi area and there is no audition to join. Membership dues, donations, and grants pay for music, guest musicians, and advertising expenses. Sponsorships and new members are welcome at any time!

Performances

Recordings

External links

• City of Oxford Website, Official website of the City of Oxford
• Oxford Civic Chorus