Oxford Choirs Grow as Students Head to Carnegie Hall

Oxford Middle School choir participation has grown more than 440% since 2023, while the high school program has more than doubled its enrollment.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Secondary Education

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of rising wooden choir risers in a warm room, with a pale sound-wave shape floating above the top step. — Oxford Middle School choir enrollment has grown from 12 students in 2023 to more than 65, while Oxford High School's program has more than doubled. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Oxford Middle School choir participation has risen from 12 students in 2023 to more than 65 students today. Oxford High School choir enrollment has more than doubled over the same period.

Why it matters

The growth reflects expanding participation in choral music among students in Oxford, Mississippi. Both programs are preparing for competitions and performances at the state, national, and international levels.

Oxford Middle School choir grew from 12 students in 2023 to more than 65 students, an increase of more than 440%. Oxford High School choir enrollment has more than doubled, though exact figures were not provided.

The players

Hannah Ardrey

Dr. Hannah Ardrey leads the Oxford Middle School choir program and joined the district in 2023.

Thomas Ardrey

Dr. Thomas Ardrey leads the Oxford High School choir program and is in his 13th year.

The details

Dr. Hannah Ardrey leads the Oxford Middle School choir, having joined the district in 2023. Dr. Thomas Ardrey leads the Oxford High School choir and is in his 13th year. Both programs perform at least four concerts annually and compete in the Mississippi High School Activities Association State Performance Assessment each spring.

2023: Oxford Middle School choir has 12 students and Hannah Ardrey joins the district.
Each spring: Both choirs participate in the MHSAA State Performance Assessment.
March: Oxford Middle School choir competes at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
November 2026: Oxford Middle School choir performs at the Mississippi Music Educators Association and ACDA state conference.
December: Oxford High School choir performs at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Season Trajectory

Both choir programs take part in the Mississippi High School Activities Association State Performance Assessment each spring, a recurring benchmark for their work. The recent participation growth places Oxford's programs in a stronger position to compete in that annual event.

Students in Oxford now have more room to join school choirs, with Middle School participation rising from 12 to more than 65 students. Families and students interested in choral music can look to the district's programs for performance and travel opportunities.

The takeaway

Growing participation in school choir programs shows how dedicated teachers can expand access to music education in a short period. Students interested in singing can seek out their school's choral programs and state-level opportunities.

What happens next

The Oxford Middle School choir performs at the Mississippi Music Educators Association and American Choral Directors Association state conference in November 2026, and travels to Orlando, Florida, in March for a Walt Disney World competition.