Chris King brings lifelong passion for music to MCC
There's never been a time when music wasn't a part of Chris King's life.
"I've always loved to sing, and I've always loved music. Music was always in my house," King said about his roots in music.
His passion for music, which blossomed into a profession and life, will be shared with local and area students and community residents as King begins his work as the new director of bands at Meridian Community College.
"I'm thrilled to be on the team at Meridian Community College and have this opportunity to start the program at MCC afresh and grow," King said.
So, what's up first? Reviving the MCC Jazz and the Community Concert bands, King said. "Meridian has had such a storied past with their jazz band; it's always been a great ensemble. It's a wonderful jazz band not only for the students but also for the community," he said. Plans are being developed for a fall jazz band concert and a spring community band concert for this upcoming academic year.
New on the music stand will be an indoor marching wind and percussion ensemble to start in the Fall 2025 semester. "They do this competitively around the state and the nation and in high schools and colleges," King explained. He also plans to get the bands involved in community activities, including hosting various band events such as honor band ensembles.
King graduated from Aberdeen High School, attended Itawamba Community College, and earned his bachelor's degree in music education at the University of Mississippi. He also received his master's degree in music from Auburn University with an emphasis in jazz. "My first job was at Vanderbilt University; I was an assistant band director and director of jazz bands at Vanderbilt."
But a friend's phone call from Vicksburg led him back to his home state, where he would teach sixth-grade band and assist with the high school band. "I knew without a doubt I was supposed to be there." He taught there for 10 years and later became head director for three years. He met his wife, Christy, who was a native of Vicksburg.
More music opportunities surfaced, and King would later move to Quitman and eventually become head director of bands at Quitman High School and then to East Mississippi Community College, where he was assistant and later director of the community college's band.
King said his move to MCC was at the right time. "Meridian is a wonderful place with amazing opportunities," he noted. "I'm glad to be a part of that team."
King and his wife Christy have two children, a six and an 11-year-old, who keep the Kings busy, whether it's from showing livestock (the sons are active in 4-H) or participating in sports. They're also actively involved in their church, First Baptist of Quitman, and its music team.
For more information, contact Chris King at Christopher.King@meridiancc.edu.