February 5, 2027
10AM-5:30PM - Concert to begin at 5PM
Maples Memorial UMC, Olive Branch, MS
Looking for a beginners honor choir experience? Maybe a chance for your elementary ensemble to perform for peers and receive feedback from a clinician? The MidSouth Music Institute Elementary Honor Choir is the event for YOU!
Students will spend the day learning music, playing games, and having fun with likeminded peers from across the region. No musical preparation is necessary on the part of the teacher - we'll provide all the music and do all the teaching on site!
Do you have a choir that needs an entry level experience performing in a festival setting? Register your choir to perform during one of our guest performance slots at the ending concert. Our clinicians will use state assessment rubrics to give you feedback to take home and encourage your budding musicians!**
No auditions necessary. Teachers registering 30 students or more will receive a discount, whether you choose to perform for the guest hour or not. Parents may also register individual children.
Registration is due to Amy Touchstone by January 15th.
Forms can be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to
1587 Cedar Grove Drive, Hernando MS 38632
**Performance slots for individual choirs at the final concert are on a first-come, first-served basis. Performance slots are not for individual singers. Clinicians will give verbal and written feedback through a recording device, but will not come on stage to clinic the choirs at the performance.
Parents registering their children individually may send payment via check (as listed on the registration form) or through PayPal or Venmo. PayPal registration will include a 3% service charge. Please email [email protected] to secure this payment option.
Our 2027 Clinician:
Victor McDowell Jr. is an accomplished music educator, choral director, worship leader, and educational leader from Batesville, Mississippi. Mr. McDowell holds a Master’s degree in Music Education from Florida State University Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a passion for cultivating musical excellence while creating meaningful experiences that inspire students both in and beyond the classroom.
Mr. McDowell serves as the Choral Director at Conway Junior High School, working with 8th and 9th grade singers. Prior to this role, he served as Co-Director of Choirs at Horn Lake High School, where he worked with both high school and middle school choral ensembles. His students have consistently earned superior ratings at district and state performance assessments and have performed in prestigious venues across the United States.
In addition to his work in public education, Mr. McDowell served as Minister of Music and Praise & Worship Leader at The Truth Church in Batesville, Mississippi. His experience in church music has fueled his love for incorporating gospel styles into choral instruction, bringing energy, enthusiasm, and authenticity to every rehearsal. His ministry and educational experiences have equipped him to connect with students of all ages through engaging instruction, dynamic leadership, and a commitment to artistic growth.
Mr. McDowell is passionate about developing young singers, cultivating confidence through music, and helping students discover the power of their voices. He is honored to serve as clinician for this year’s Honor Choir and looks forward to working with these outstanding young musicians.
