PRESS RELEASE
Lauderdale County School District to Host Musical Showcase at The MAX
Special evening of performances and artistic recognition set for Thursday, April 30
MERIDIAN, Miss. (April 29, 2026) – The Lauderdale County School District (LCSD), in partnership with the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX), is proud to announce a special evening of performances and artistic recognition on Thursday, April 30 at 5 pm.
The event will celebrate the musical talents of local students, featuring a lineup of celebrated area high school ensembles.
The program will be hosted by Andrea Williams, LCSD Communications Director, and William Barnes, LCSD Arts Coordinator and Southeast High School Band Director, welcoming families, educators, and community members to a showcase of musical excellence.
The evening’s scheduled performances include:
The Clarkdale High School Band
The Southeast High School Band
The West Lauderdale High School Choir
The Northeast High School Band
Beyond the musical selections, the event serves as a platform to recognize the dedication of student performers and the instructors who guide them.
A featured highlight of the evening includes a special address from the LCSD Arts Coordinator, emphasizing the vital role of arts education in the development of local youth and its impact on the cultural fabric of Mississippi.
“This showcase is a celebration of both the discipline and creativity our students bring to the stage, classroom, their places of worship, places of employment, and community every day,” said Mr. Barnes. “We are thrilled to partner with The MAX to provide these students with a professional stage worthy of their hard work.”
Admission is free and open to the public. The courtyard gate opens at 4 pm, and local food trucks will be available on-site for attendees to enjoy. Limited seating is available; audience members are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or quilts to sit on.
For more information regarding the LCSD Arts Showcase or upcoming educational programming, please visit www.msarts.org/events.
About Lauderdale County School District (LCSD)
The Lauderdale County School District is committed to providing a premier education that empowers students to reach their full potential. Through comprehensive academic and extracurricular programs, LCSD fosters a culture of excellence and innovation across its campuses.
About The MAX
The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX) is an arts and cultural center in the heart of downtown Meridian that celebrates Mississippi’s creative legacy through interactive exhibits, workshops, and live performances. The multipurpose facility contains a two-story Hall of Fame celebrating the state’s groundbreaking artists like Walter Anderson, William Faulkner, Morgan Freeman, Jim Henson, B.B. King, Elvis Presley, and Leontyne Price to name a few, along with over 20,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, art studios, a recording studio, and performance spaces. Every visit to The MAX is a unique experience that leaves visitors feeling inspired and in awe of Mississippi’s global impact on music, literature, art, and entertainment. Visit www.msarts.org to learn more.
