The Gazebo Gazette
PASS CHRISTIAN (GG) — The Pass Christian School District is celebrating the launch of its first-ever separate middle school show choir program. The new group, aptly named Ignite, made its competitive debut this past weekend at the Mississippi Show Choir & A Cappella Invitational hosted by Pearl River Community College.
According to the Pass Christian School District Choral Director Garrett Clement, this inaugural year marks an exciting milestone for the district. The name Ignite was chosen collaboratively by the students and director to reflect the idea that middle school is where a passion for music is first sparked. Fittingly, the group’s first competition show also carried the title Ignite, symbolizing both their beginning and their enthusiasm for performance.
While Ignite did not place at the competition, the group scored impressively for a first-year program and narrowly missed recognition—an encouraging achievement for a brand-new ensemble. Two students, Ben Purdy and Leila Danilson, earned Best Performer awards, highlighting the talent and dedication within the group.
Ignite’s season is just getting started, with several upcoming competitions on the schedule. The group will perform next at the Northeast Jones Invitational at Northeast Jones High School on Friday, February 6, followed by the Magnolia Invitational at Oak Grove High School on Friday, February 27. The season will conclude at the Gulf Coast Classic hosted by Biloxi High School.
As Ignite continues its first season, the program is already setting a strong foundation for future success and inspiring a new generation of performers within the Pass Christian School District.
(Photos: Front by Hunter Dawkins/The Gazebo Gazette via Associated Press. Inside Photo by Pass Christian Middle School show choir performers in their debut submitted by Pass Christian Public School District. Contributed by Kaleb Jefcoat, PCMS Liaison)
