OXFORD, Miss. – The Lafayette-Oxford-University Symphony
Orchestra performs its final concert of the season Monday
(April 28) in the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the
Performing Arts at the University of Mississippi.
Under the direction of Ronald Vernon, the orchestra is
slated to perform the music of Hector Berlioz, Paul Creston
and Howard Hanson. Vernon is interim associate dean of the
College of Liberal Arts and professor of music.
Featured musician for the concert is graduate student Lamon
Lawhorn on marimba. Lawhorn is winner of the 2008 student
Concerto Competition.
Tickets to the 8 p.m. concert are $10 for general admission
and $6 for UM students with ID. Tickets can be purchased in
advance at the UM Box Office in the Student Union or by
calling 662-915-7411.
Lawhorn, a native of Fort Worth, Texas, is slated to
complete his master’s degree in music this semester. He
received a bachelor’s degree in music from Prairie View A&M
University in 2006, where he was named the outstanding
upperclassman. At Ole Miss, he has performed with the
Mississippians Jazz Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, L-O-U
Symphony, Steel Drum Ensemble and African Drum and Dance
Ensemble. He is also a member of the Corinth Symphony.
Lawhorn said he considers the marimba to be the most
versatile of all percussion instruments. He began playing
drums in church at age 7 and continued in his high school
band.
Ricky Burkhead, who has taught Lawhorn for two years,
describes him as, “a well-rounded musician who seems to
enjoy challenges.”
“I’ve always been impressed with his scholarship and the
passion he has for his work,” said Burkhead, associate
professor of music.
For assistance related to a disability, call 662-915-7411.
For more information on music education at Ole Miss, visit