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Jones County School District

Excellence in Academics, Arts, & Athletics

JCSD Arts

Jones County School District Arts

The arts program in the Jones County School District (JCSD) is just as competitive and community-focused as its athletics. The district places a heavy emphasis on "Fine Arts," which generally includes high-level performance groups and visual arts instruction at South Jones, West Jones, and Northeast Jones.

Performing Arts: Music & Theatre

Music is perhaps the most visible part of the district's arts culture, with the bands and choirs frequently traveling for national competitions.

  • Band (The Pride of Jones County): Each high school maintains a massive marching and concert band program.

    • South Jones "Band of Braves": Frequently ranked among the top in the state, this program has a long tradition of "Superior" ratings and has performed internationally in places like London and Rome.
    • West Jones "Mustang Pride" Band: A consistent powerhouse in MHSAA marching competitions, often advancing to State Championships.

    • Northeast Jones Band: Known for a strong community presence and consistent growth in concert and marching excellence.

  • Choral Music & Show Choir: * Choir is offered as a dedicated elective where students study vocal technique and theory.

    • Show Choir is a major highlight; for example, the Gold Horizons (Northeast Jones) and other school groups travel to invitationals (like the Biloxi Show Choir Invitational) to compete in choreographed musical performances.

  • Theatre & Drama:

    • The district offers theatre classes that cover acting, stagecraft, and technical production (lighting/sound).

    • Schools typically produce a Mainstage Musical and a One-Act Play each year. The One-Act teams often compete in the MHSAA Drama festivals.

Visual Arts

The visual arts curriculum is designed to move students from foundational skills to advanced portfolio work.

  • Art I - IV: Students progress through drawing, painting, ceramics, and sculpture.

  • Advanced Art: Upper-level students often work on independent projects and prepare portfolios for college admissions or local exhibitions.

  • Exhibitions: Student work is often showcased in school galleries and at local venues like the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art in Laurel.

Specialized Arts Opportunities

  • Dance: Offered as both a fine arts credit and a performance team (often performing at halftime during football games alongside the band).

  • Archery & E-Sports: While often categorized under athletics, these are frequently grouped within the broader "activities" umbrella that includes the arts, involving many of the same students.