Brand brings lifelong love of performing arts to MCC
Lydia Noelle Brand has spent her life surrounded by music and theater.
Now she's bringing that passion to Meridian Community College as its new choral and theater director.
A Laurel native, Brand grew up around choir and show choir; her father directed show choir, and she remembers listening to rehearsals thinking, "I can't wait to do this one day."
She earned a bachelor of fine arts from the University of Mississippi and a master of arts in musical theatre from the University of Mobile, and has spent the past five years teaching music, theater, dance, and visual arts.
"The music practice rooms became my safe place. The theater stage became my escape," Brand said. "Every time I put on a costume, it felt like a superhero cape."
Her college instructors gave her a sense of belonging and purpose, she said, and she wanted to create that same experience for others. MCC offered the chance.
Brand spent this summer as entertainment coordinator for the Meridian Blues baseball team, work that introduced her to MCC's campus and faculty. And it was at a Blues game, she learned about an opening for a choral director that also included show choir.
"This is my dream job," Brand said. "MCC has an extraordinary legacy of fine arts, choir, and productions. I am eager to continue building upon this legacy."
Brand now leads MCC's Concert Choir and Dimensions and will direct future theater productions.
Her students have already impressed her. "They hit the ground running," she said. "I am filled with great pride to lead this group of students."
She hopes to grow the programs through recruitment and outreach, including partnerships with Lauderdale County Schools and Meridian Public School District. "I want to show our county and city the creative possibilities that await graduating seniors," she said.
Brand still performs herself, with Meridian Little Theatre and recently in an independent Christian film shot in Mississippi.
"We are excited to welcome Lydia to our Fine Arts Division as our new choral and theater instructor. Her talent, enthusiasm, and passion for the performing arts will be a great asset to our students and will help us continue to grow and strengthen both our choral and theater programs," said Mitch Brantley, fine arts division chair and music and guitar instructor.
Brantley added, “Lydia is no stranger to the stage. I have witnessed her powerful performances starring in leading roles in theater. There is no doubt that she will inspire our MCC students and others to perform and do great things."
At home, she shares that love of the arts with her 4-year-old daughter, Rosalee Noelle Brand, who already enjoys singing and dancing.
"Out of all the creations I have made as a music and theater artist, she is my best artwork," Brand said.
Brand hopes MCC students find that same spark she once did as a place to belong and grow.
She added, "I know this is only a taste of what is to come."
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu/finearts.