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Laura A. Mixon
John M. Long School of Music
Smith 110
laaron@troy.edu
(334) 808-6358

Laura Aaron Mixon, soprano and pianist, is a Music Lecturer in Choral Music at Troy University’s John M. Long School of Music. She grew up in Bay Minette, Alabama, and graduated from Baldwin County High School in 2001. After graduation, Mrs. Mixon accepted the Milton Jackson Memorial Scholarship to Faulkner State Community College in Bay Minette.  There she studied piano and voice with the Faulkner music faculty, tutored fellow students in music theory, and participated in the Faulkner Singers, Faulkner Jazz Band, and the Faulkner Sun Chief Sound Show Choir.  She played the part of Christ’s mother, Mary, in the first annual FSCC Christmas on the Coast production in 2002.

In 2003, Mrs. Mixon transferred to Troy University to pursue her Bachelor of Music Education degree in Choral Music Education. At Troy, she participated in such ensembles as Collegiate Singers, Chamber Choir, Opera Ensemble, and the Sound of the South marching band. She also served as accompanist for some of Troy’s theatrical productions such as Snoopy the Musical and Pippin’. One of the highest honors Mrs. Mixon achieved while pursuing her Bachelor’s degree was the opportunity to participate in a conducting workshop with Dr. Andre Thomas (Professor of Choral Music Education, Florida State University) at the Alabama Music Educators Association Convention in 2005. In 2006, she graduated magna cum laude with her Bachelor of Music Education degree.

After receiving her undergraduate education, Mrs. Mixon moved back to her hometown of Bay Minette to serve as Choral Director at Baldwin County High School for two years, as well as serving as co-director for the Jubilee Children’s Community Chorus from 2006-2007.

In 2008, Mrs. Mixon began pursuing her Master’s degree in Choral Music Education at Troy University, under a graduate assistantship in choral music education. As choral graduate assistant, Mrs. Mixon chose repertoire for, rehearsed, and conducted Troy University’s non-auditioned choir, Collegiate Singers, as well as teaching voice and piano through the university. While completing her degree, Mrs. Mixon taught Choral Music at Charles Henderson Middle School to 7th and 8th grade students.

In May 2010, Mrs. Mixon married William Mixon and the two currently reside in Troy, Alabama.  Laura is a Music Lecturer with the J.M. Long School of Music at Troy University.  She also serves as music director for Troy First United Methodist Church, as well as a private instructor of piano and voice.

The Troy University Band Program is a comprehensive, student-oriented, multi-faceted organization that encourages participation from all disciplines and academic majors on the university campus. Troy instrumentalists not only have the opportunity to be in the renowned “Sound of the South” Marching Band, but also to perform in the Symphony Band and Chamber Winds, three Concert Bands, two jazz ensembles (big band), three jazz combos, the Basketball Pep Band, and various small ensembles.

Symphony Band
Dr. Mark Walker, Conductor

“Sound of the South” Marching Band
Dr. Mark Walker, Director of Bands
Dr. T. Adam Blackstock, Assistant Director of Bands

Jazz Ensembles and Jazz Combos (Jazz Chamber Ensemble)
Mr. Raymond H. Smith, Coordinator of Jazz Studies

Campus Band (fall semester)
Dr. Mark Walker, Conductor; Graduate Assistants, associate conductors

1:00 Concert Band (spring semester)
Dr. Mark Walker, Conductor; Graduate Assistants, associate conductors

2:00 Concert Band (spring semester)
Mr. Raymond H. Smith, Conductor; Dr. Larry Blocher, associate conductor

“Sound of the South” Basketball Pep Band
Dr. T. Adam Blackstock, Director

POPulus is an American band comprised of students in Troy University’s Music Industry Program. Artists of diverse and eclectic styles blend together in a unique musical environment honoring all genres of American popular music.  The term POPulus was created by combining the musical genre “POP” with “ulus,” a Mediterranean languages term for “nation” or “people.” With their dynamic vibe and distinctive name, their music appeals across genres, generations and geographic borders.

For more information regarding band scholarships, auditions, or opportunities to support the band program through the University Foundation, please contact the university band office.

Email: troyband@troy.edu

Phone: 334-670-3281.

Street Address:

113 Long Hall, Troy University,

Troy, Alabama 36082.

Websites:

www.troy.edu, music.troy.edu, and www.soundofthesouth.org.

Seeking enlightened and entertaining performances, we not only unite ALL the performing arts but encompass all disciplines - artistic, scientific, philosophical, and even vocational. We believe we are all-embracing and non-elitist art forms whose purpose is to pursue TRUTH through eloquent and evocative theatrical means. Because of this inherent power, which can stir both artists and audience to laughter, tears, questions, or even anger, the challenge to affect the medium with artistic excellence abides within the mission of the Department.

Collaboration and artistic unification are key in the Department of Theatre and Dance, where we start with the blank page and create new worlds complete with sets, lights, costumes, sound, properties, scripts, characters, dancers, singers, and actors. Audiences enjoy classical, contemporary, drama, comedy, children’s theatre, and musical theatre which we perform in concert with the Long School of Music. In class and on stage, we are committed to fostering an atmosphere of creative experimentation in preparation and performance, developing both theatre and dance as an academic, cultural, and recreational activity.

Degrees are offered in Theatre and Theatre Education, along with minors in dance and theatre, and specialization contracts in design/technology , acting, directing, stage management, musical theatre, dramaturgy, and playwriting.  Nearly 150 students, faculty, and guest artists practice theatre and dance in a broad-based course of study ranging from history and analysis to design and technical theatre; from acting, voice & movement to management & public relations; and from ballet, modern and contemporary dance to musical theatre. Along with mainstage and lab productions, the Pied Piper troupe that enchanted tens of thousands of children of all ages for 30+ years, continues to thrive as a component of our first year theatre program. The Musical Theatre Ensemble and Classical Ensemble offer specialized study and performance, and the elite Repertory Dance Ensemble brings distinction to the campus not before experienced.

Alumni are working throughout the industry on television, in film, at regional theatres, on and off Broadway, in the commercial industry, on cruise ships, as well as universities and classrooms across the country.

The faculty is composed of recognized leaders and professionals in the field, who have been awarded prestigious state, regional, and national honors from the Kennedy Center-American College Theatre Festival, the Southeastern Theatre Conference, and the Alabama Conference of Theatre among others.

More Information on our Website

The Troy University Gospel Singers under the direction of Mr. Lewis Webb, Jr. is a recognized, premiere performing group in the nationally accredited J.M. Long School of Musi.  The Gospel Singers specialize in the study and performance of sacred music, anthems, hymns, spirituals and traditional and contemporary gospel music from the African-American perspective. This distinguished, auditioned group of sixty students has performed for the local community as well as the tri-state region. The Troy University Gospel Singers, formally known as the Troy State University Gospel Choir, has participated in many concerts and prestigious festivals, such as the Moses Hogan Memorial, William Dawson and Afro-American Composers’ Festivals, and has made numerous television appearances including "Good Day Alabama." The choir had the esteemed honor of performing for Rosa Parks’ funera,l as well as the opening of the Rosa Parks’ Museum Children’s Wing. The choir has also been featured in Jet and Ebony magazines.

Rosa Parks’s Funeral
Montgomery, AL

William Dawson Festival
Tuskegee University

Sound of Music Concert
Featuring Shelia Jackson and the
Troy University Gospel Singers
Troy, AL