When like minds come together great things happen.  In 1962, the Gulf Coast was an empty beach.  The emptiness was felt most by 35 musicians who had no outlet, no band shell to project the lilting strains of their beloved classical music. The Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra (GCSO), now numbering 72 gifted and talented musicians, continues to wow audiences with varied performances that appeal to many. 
     Maybe the first time someone heard classical music was in a Walt Disney film. The genre was something the legendary icon appreciated, and he believed that using it in his films would help people appreciate it more. Disney’s 1940 film “Fantasia” has the most powerful music orchestrating the story line with music composed by Beethoven, Stokowski, Stravinsky, Ponchielli and more. The crescendo of Mickey playing magician is powerfully emphasized with the booming music with every wave of his wand.
     Today, the powerful and insightful performances that inspire passionate responses to symphonic music along the Mississippi Gulf Coast are under the direction of the gifted Music Director and Guest Conductor Dr. Peter Rubardt. Every year, the Juilliard scholar leads the GCSO in four Classical series concerts to wow frequent symphony goers.  A Holiday Peppermint Pops concert the day after Thanksgiving is to entice and entertain the public during the holidays. Family friendly concerts held in Jones Park on a Saturday and in Pascagoula at Beach Park on a Sunday and called “Sounds by the Sea” are delightful opportunities to bring your blanket and chair and be enveloped in beautiful music on a serene gulf coast beach. Stacy Pair, executive director of the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra said, “This is our opportunity to give back to the community that supports us.”

“This is our opportunity to give back to the community that supports us.”

Stacy Pair, executive director, Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra

     Covid has changed the tune of the Symphony and their fundraising. In the past, the Gulf Coast Symphony Guild, which is the Symphony’s fundraising arm, has hosted BBQ Under the Oaks, a guild Gala and other fundraising events. Pair shared the goal of “bringing fresh air into the fundraising for the symphony” and as one of its leaders she is working with the Guild to develop new and innovative fundraisers that support its mission. Patrons are being asked to watch for the new fundraisers and support the Orchestral Season Run from September through May.  More funding, Pair said, will make it possible to raise out of the Covid-19 silence and allow the Symphony to put even more back into the community.
     The GCSO, celebrating its 60^th year, is presenting “Made in America!” on March 19, 2022, and on April 9, 2022, “A Night with Louie Armstrong & the Symphony Orchestra!” Making this year even more fantastic is the fact that two new multimillion dollar facilities are now available on the Gulf Coast. The new home of the GCSO is the Immersive Performing Arts Center (iMPAC) that includes a 1,200-seat theater in the 54,000-square-foot facility.  Located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Jefferson Davis Campus on Debuys Road, it is a perfect venue with a flexible design for hosting major theatre productions, concerts and conferences. 

   
     Another new site for symphony performances is the recently completed Pascagoula-Gautier High School Performing Arts Center.  The expanding stage of this facility has the space for a 160-piece orchestra and seating for 771. Being located on the Pascagoula-Gautier High School campus makes the availability to student musicians priceless, including more music from the Honors Band. 
     Producing professional level musicians is the goal of the Honors Band. Mr. Daniel Martinez is the Youth Orchestra Director and responsible for setting times for auditions. There are scholarship programs to support the participation of talented, low and moderate income youth in the Honors Band. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Perkinston Campus held its inaugural Gulf Coast Honor Band Clinic February 18-20, 2022. Dr. Mohamad Schuman and Travis Oakley conducted the clinic. Schuman is the retired Director of Bands for Ocean Springs School district and former Associate Director of Bands at the University of Southern Mississippi. Oakley is Director of Bands and Director of Fine Arts for the Biloxi Public School district.  The dedicated composers, teachers with expanded programs continue to feed the pipeline necessary to continue hearing beautiful music along the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. This dedication is multiplied by each musician, professional and student, putting in countless hours to fine tune with individual practice for music making.
     The opportunities to enjoy symphonic music have multiplied with the completion of the iMPAC Center in Gulfport and Pascagoula-Gautier High School Performing Arts Center. The next season’s marquee will be published very soon. Call for tickets as the exciting new season is revealed. Gulf Coast Symphony, 11975 Seaway Road, b233, Gulfport, MS 39503, 228-896-4276. Pascagoula-Gautier High School Performing Arts Center, 2104 Tucker Ave., Pascagoula, MS, 39567, 228-938-6234.  Mr. Daniel Martinez, Director, Youth Orchestra, Gulfport High School, 100 Perry St. Gulfport, MS 39507, 228-896-8281. Visit www.gulfcoastsymphony.net.

On the cover: Musical talents who make up the 72-member Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra begin rehearsals in preparation for the group’s newest 2021-22 season that runs from September until May.

Susan Weller

Years of living along the Gulf Coast with a penchant for capturing photographs of smiling faces and beautiful places has brought Susan Weller to Seaside Social News. “This tenure will enhance my opportunities to capture and promote the exciting venues and activities generated by our lovely Gulf Coast and the people who live and celebrate life’s joys.”