Helping Light will create opportunities for performers and technicians to learn what it takes to produce a live variety show, bringing the elements of musical talent, creativity, technology, high production values and live theater together. The experience will not only give talent exposure, both in Gulfport and globally, but will provide students with valuable skills that will increase their employability in a variety of careers.
“Say It with Music” is a partnership between Helping Light, Mississippi Public Broadcasting and the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center of Arts and Education (or Gulfport Little Theater). The goal of the program is to increase the number of people on the Gulf Coast with access to top-notch local musicians and artists. “Say It with Music” is a weekly live variety show, reminiscent of radio in years past. The show will be performed in the theater and broadcast on MPB stations across Mississippi. A curriculum guide for teachers will be posted on MPB, Helping Light and Mary C. websites. The guide will include descriptions of the various musical genres performed on the show, biographies of the performers and links to additional information. “Say It with Music” is one example of symphony: creating a new whole from significant parts.
Say it With Music (SIWM) has several elements that will remain constant from week to week: the show orchestra; the SIWM Host; the technician for creative staging, lighting and visual effects.
Each week, SIWM will hold auditions for local talent to perform in the show on upcoming broadcasts. As a variety show, SIWM can feature a wide range of talent from vocalists to story-tellers to comedians. Musical genres will include swing, jazz, blues, Latin/Salsa, country, rock, Broadway and light opera. Winners of the auditions will be invited to return for rehearsals with the orchestra and scheduled for a performance date.
Through a partnership agreement with Gulfport and other surrounding schools, students with an interest in production will be trained to work backstage, run lights and assist with recording and broadcasting. This may be developed as an internship with school credit or as a service learning opportunity for students.
Teachers along the coast will be invited to bring their students to “A Day with SIWM”. The students will attend the rehearsal, discover how the show is put together, and then enjoy the finished product – the show itself. The experience will increase music awareness and appreciation, encourage participation – and perhaps unearth the next Bing or Elvis!
The SIWM Host: William Sackett
