Andy Smigielski is in his second year as Director of Choral Activities at Forrest County Agricultural High School in Brooklyn, MS where he also serves as Chairman of the Fine Arts/Electives department. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music in Choral Conducting degrees from The University of Southern Mississippi. While at USM, he served the Choral Activities department as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. As such, he was the Assistant Conductor to the Concert Choir, University Singers, and Chamber Singers. He was also a Rehearsal Assistant to the Southern Chorale, the premiere ensemble of the University, and the 2011 Southern Invitational Choral Conference Honor Choir under the direction of Dr. Ronnie Oliver (from Manhattan Concert Productions). FCAHS Choral Activities has grown significantly under Smigielski’s leadership. Participation in the program is up 38% from his first year and the program features 3 new ensembles for the 2013-2014 school year. His choir is garnering recognition in the community and state as one of the up and coming choirs in this region. They will also tour Washington D.C. in spring of 2014 where they will perform at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, and the United States Capitol Building for Congressman Palazzo.
In addition to his conducting accomplishments, Mr. Smigielski has enjoyed success as a baritone soloist. He has earned many vocal scholarships and awards including being chosen as an individual winner at the 2007 SICC Soloist Competition and the 2009 Regional Final of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. In the spring of 2012 Mr. Smigielski made his oratorio debut as a soloist in the B-minor Mass by Johann Sebastian Bach. He was invited in fall 2012 to sing the baritone solos in the Fauré Requiem with the Long Beach High School Concert Choir, one of the premiere choirs in the Southeast Region.
Mr. Smigielski is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association and the National Association for Music Education (formerly MENC). Smigielski serves as Minister of Music at Immanuel Baptist Church in Hattiesburg, MS. He lives in Petal, MS with his beautiful wife, Ashley and their sons, Caden and Ethan.
Nathan Jones is pianist and organist for the choral program at Forrest County Agricultural High School. Since beginning piano lessons at age 8, Jones has gained considerable experience both as a solo pianist and as a collaborative artist. Mr. Jones began studying organ at the age of 16 and has continued to work as a church organist since that time. For the past five years, he has studied composition with Luigi Zaninelli (composer-in-residence at The University of Southern Mississippi). Jones’ works have been performed by multiple ensembles across the region including performances in Italy with the Chamber Singers of USM. He completed his Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance at USM in 2010, and his Master of Music degree in the same field in 2012. He was awarded a Graduate Teaching Assistantship for the 2011-2012 year and is a frequent accompanist at USM. Most recently, Jones has been appointed to the faculty of the USM Piano Institute.
In addition to his conducting accomplishments, Mr. Smigielski has enjoyed success as a baritone soloist. He has earned many vocal scholarships and awards including being chosen as an individual winner at the 2007 SICC Soloist Competition and the 2009 Regional Final of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. In the spring of 2012 Mr. Smigielski made his oratorio debut as a soloist in the B-minor Mass by Johann Sebastian Bach. He was invited in fall 2012 to sing the baritone solos in the Fauré Requiem with the Long Beach High School Concert Choir, one of the premiere choirs in the Southeast Region.
Mr. Smigielski is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association and the National Association for Music Education (formerly MENC). Smigielski serves as Minister of Music at Immanuel Baptist Church in Hattiesburg, MS. He lives in Petal, MS with his beautiful wife, Ashley and their sons, Caden and Ethan.
Nathan Jones is pianist and organist for the choral program at Forrest County Agricultural High School. Since beginning piano lessons at age 8, Jones has gained considerable experience both as a solo pianist and as a collaborative artist. Mr. Jones began studying organ at the age of 16 and has continued to work as a church organist since that time. For the past five years, he has studied composition with Luigi Zaninelli (composer-in-residence at The University of Southern Mississippi). Jones’ works have been performed by multiple ensembles across the region including performances in Italy with the Chamber Singers of USM. He completed his Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance at USM in 2010, and his Master of Music degree in the same field in 2012. He was awarded a Graduate Teaching Assistantship for the 2011-2012 year and is a frequent accompanist at USM. Most recently, Jones has been appointed to the faculty of the USM Piano Institute.