Panola College Prepares for The Messiah

The time is drawing near for the community and Panola College performance of Handel’s The Messiah on Friday, December 8, at 7:00 pm.  The concert at Central Baptist Church will feature several exciting soloists.  Both the tenor and alto solos are being sung by Panola College students.  Carthage native, sophomore David Stone, will be singing the tenor aria “Every Valley Shall Be Exalted.”  Sophomore Kate McElwee, from Aransas Pass, will be singing the alto aria “He Was Despised.”  Raquita McCollister, a Panola College freshman from Center, will be performing the alto aria “O Thou That Tellest Good Tiding to Zion.”  Sophomores from Longview, LaKeisha Berry and Jamie Johnson will be singing the alto/soprano aria “He Shall Feed His Flock.”

Mrs. Marcia McKillop, another Carthage resident, will be the soprano soloist for this year’s performance.  Mrs. McKillop was a sacred music major in college and is a current member of the Carthage Music Club.  The bass soloist is a town favorite and Panola College graduate, Keron Jackson.  Mr. Jackson is currently attending college in pursuit of a Vocal Music Performance degree.  All of the soloists are eagerly anticipating a wonderful performance of this great work for the Christmas season.

“The concert is 7:00 pm on Friday, December 8, at Central Baptist Church.  The performance is a wonderful family event that is free and open to the public,” said Sarin Peck, Director of Vocal Music.  “Please make plans to join us and start your Christmas with a reminder of the reason for the season!”