SBO+: During my visit to JSU to work with their wind ensemble, I was struck by the quantity and quality of string performers. During the work on this series of articles is when I learned that JSU had the very first orchestra program at any HBCU.
Among the many ensembles and areas of study that students may choose from at JSU, one that is the source of immense pride is the university orchestra, directed by Dr. Darryl E. Harris, Sr. The orchestra consists of between 35-45 of the university’s advanced musicians on all orchestral instruments. Assuring that JSU students receive practical experience in performing standard repertoire, they perform twice a semester in the Dr. Jimmie James, Jr. Recital Hall on campus. The JSU Orchestra is one of the oldest orchestra programs at a university in the state of Mississippi. According to Dr. Harris, records indicate that the orchestra was founded in 1913 when the institution was still the Natchez Seminary. Founded by A. B. Pauley, the orchestra performed traditional repertoire and teachers and students came from as far away as New Orleans to participate, perform, and train the orchestra. Later, F.D. Hall became the director of orchestra as well as the chair of the department of music. Under his direction, the orchestra as well as other department ensembles performed throughout the region and for university ceremonies.
Throughout the years the orchestra has been directed by Dr. Josiah Sampson, II, Dr. Robert Blaine, Dr. Joella Gipson, Ms. Rachel Jordan, and currently is directed by Dr. Darryl E. Harris, Sr. among others. Though founded as an orchestra, the ensemble has sometimes existed as a chamber orchestra, it is today a fully functional symphony orchestra that performs standard orchestral repertoire.
Under the umbrella of the orchestra area at JSU there is also the Joella Gipson String Ensemble directed by Dr. LaTannia Ellerbe, assistant professor of strings at JSU. This ensemble, consisting only of the most advanced string players, is named for the former orchestra director. During her tenure at JSU, Gipson was the only strings teacher who would teach people of color in the Jackson metro area. The Joella Gipson Ensemble performs for university ceremonies as well as a concert once a semester.
Today, the JSU Orchestra program thrives with the goal of providing quality music performance opportunities to musicians at JSU with special interest in increasing the number of underrepresented orchestral musicians in American symphony orchestras.
SBO+: These series of articles about music at Jackson State University and HBCUs are intended to expose our readers to music programs of excellence that they may not be aware of. When students are looking at higher education institutions where they can study and/or perform music, take the time to look deeper into what institutions may offer and if it’s the best fit for them. Many students want to continue performing while majoring in something other than music. Look at what opportunities there are for non-majors. One great example is Purdue University with one of the finest collection of ensembles in the country. Did you know that their university charter does not allow them to have a major in music? The members of their superb performing groups are there solely because of their love of music! The right choice for any student may not be the “big name” or have the prettiest campus or be where you went to school! Help your students and their parents make one of the biggest decisions in their lives!
