School of Music

The Symphony Orchestra is the oldest orchestra in Mississippi and includes over eighty musicians from the United States as well as fourteen other countries. This renowned ensemble presents quality performances of varied symphonic repertoire through an intense performance schedule covering classical to pop musical styles and drawing both students and guest artists from around the globe, the Symphony Orchestra truly is bringing the world to Mississippi.

Southern Miss Choral Activities has become a regional leader in choral music excellence, presenting works on world-stages and receiving many accolades. Students have the chance to participate in singing opportunities in any of its 4 major ensembles, including The Southern Chorale, The Concert Choir, University Singers, and The Hattiesburg Choral Union, as well as in the 5 exciting secondary ensembles.

Southern Opera and Musical Theatre Company has accrued a reputation as one of the finest opera and musical theatre collegiate companies in the region. Recent and current fully staged productions vary from the landmark, sold-out production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera to Puccini’s masterwork, Turandot, which was presented in a joint production with the Mississippi Opera.

Jazz Studies has a long tradition at Southern Miss, spanning almost 50 years. Its ensembles include  two 20-piece big bands and a variety of combos, including the award winning Southern Miss Jazztet. Notable guest artists have performed with the Jazz Lab Band from Ira Sullivan to Bob Berg, and The Kenton Legacy Orchestra.

The Percussion Studio at Southern Miss has earned an excellent national and international reputation, performing at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention and several national and international percussion festivals. From performing with the Drumline and Percussion Ensemble to the Steel Pan Orchestra—one of the elite steel pan programs in the country—there’s always an opportunity for students to build on solid foundations.