Neighborhood Philanthropy: Oxford Civic Chorus
Oxford is host to some wonderful non-profit organizations that provide for our community in so many ways. We want to provide a glimpse of these organizations each month. The Oxford Civic Chorus holds a special place in my heart, as I was its Artistic Director for 5 years and sang in the choir while in college. It was founded in 1998 by University of Mississippi music department professor, Dr. Martha Hitch, and senior music student, Gabriel Statom. This excellent community chorus has been inspiring singers, enriching the community and expanding musical horizons ever since!
Co-Director, Creighton Holder, directing a rehearsal
The Oxford Civic Chorus accepts new members each semester. This year it has 50 singers, 2 co-directors and a board of directors (many of the board members also sing in the choir). The choir gathers for weekly rehearsals, performs two concerts a year and is available to sing at local events. Excellent participant experience is a priority in the choir’s weekly rehearsals, which are both rigorous and joyful. Singers enjoy the mental and physical benefits of being part of a choir where they feel valued, challenged and supported.
In addition to its two concerts a year, you can hear the chorus sing at the annual Christmas tree lighting on the Square, at the Veterans Home and other senior centers in the Oxford area. In May this year, the board and members of Oxford Civic Chorus decided to make their spring season finale a benefit for victims of the war in Ukraine. The concert, “A Prayer for Ukraine,” raised $2,385 for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, a global organization dedicated to helping displaced people.
Co-directors, Debra Atkinson and Creighton Holder, have announced the programs for 2022-2023 season. The theme for the December concert is “Wintertide Awakes.” The spring concert will be a benefit for Memory Makers, a respite day program that we have highlighted before. In June 2023, the choir will travel to London, England with several other choirs through Vox Anima to perform.
The Oxford Civic Chorus is funded entirely by donations, and for most concerts, admission is free or “give ‘til it feels good.” Membership dues ($50, $25 for students) pay for the music for each concert. Donations are always needed and much appreciated. The choir also needs non-singing volunteers to join the board of directors and to assist with other operations. To donate, visit our website and click the DONATE button on the homepage or get involved other ways here.
The Oxford Civic Chorus President, Greg Mitchell, shared “My hope is that we can inspire others to get involved and be enthused about choral music, and that we can support, when possible, other deserving non-profit groups in our community. Singing can be a life-long pursuit, with many benefits, such as friendships gained and the satisfaction of learning new skills. We welcome all!”
Co-Director, Debra Atkinson, rehearsing the choir.
We are grateful to the Oxford Civic Chorus for bringing people together from all walks of life for the common purpose of making beautiful music for Oxford and Lafayette county residents. OCC’s members, directors and board believe the world is a better place when people sing together. A vibrant community chorus unites diverse people across cultural and political divides. Interested to join? Contact them by emailing occ38655@gmail.com.
