Symphony at Sunset at the Vicksburg National Military Park munity youth chorus for students in grades 7 through 12. Currently, Nelson said he has more than twenty members.
In addition to focusing on making the conservatory“ an inviting place for students,” Nelson said he has also enjoyed working alongside other educators.
“ I ' m having a lot of fun getting to be with other musicians who also really care about educating the people of Vicksburg and providing opportunities for them. It brings me a lot of hope for Vicksburg,” he said.
As a community outreach program, the Dorothy Kenna Brasfield Conservatory of Fine Arts accepts donations that aid students who may otherwise not be able to afford tuition.
THE FOUR SEASONS OF THE ARTS
The Four Seasons of the Arts is a non-profit organization that partners with the City of Vicksburg to offer musical performances to the community.
It was founded more than 20 years ago by the late Frances Koury and the late Dorothy Brasfield.
“ Dorothy Brasfield partnered with my mother, Frances Koury, to carry on the tradition of bringing quality entertainment to our community,” Connie Koury Hosemann said.“ Through The Four Seasons of the Arts, both women combined their time and talents to enhance the Vicksburg community in the arts. These seasonal events established by them were, and still continue to be, highly endorsed and are proof their legacy lives on. What great music directors the heavens now have.”
Since the death of her mother in 2020, Hosemann has become an integral part of the organization— now serving on The Four Seasons of the Arts board— and described the programs that are held throughout the year as enjoyable and free.
“ It( The Four Seasons of the Arts) enables us to bring opportunities to hear quality music right here in our hometown, at no charge,” Hosemann said.
One of those events, Hosemann said, is the Memorial Day Symphony at Sunset series. The annual event is held on the grounds of the Vicksburg National Military Park and music is provided by the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra.
Another stand out event the organization sponsors in the fall is the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra Concert. This event is geared for school children in Warren County and last year, Hosemann said it was attended by more than 1,500 students.
The Four Seasons of the Arts is administered by three board members: Carol McMillin, Deborah Felt, and Hosemann. Hosemann’ s husband, David Hosemann, is an honorary board member.
The organization is largely funded by local donors and the City of Vicksburg and administered under the Vicksburg Warren Chamber of Commerce Community Fund.
“( The city is) our biggest supporter,” Hosemann said.
In serving on The Four Seasons of the Arts board, Hosemann said it has given her an opportunity to feel close to her mother.
“ I feel like she ' s with me the whole way,” she said. " Mama bloomed where she was planted. So, I’ ve got big shoes to fill, but I feel honored. My husband and I have been a part of these events behind the scenes, and( we’ re) just kind of picking up and taking it to the future.”
Hosemann went on to say,“ It ' s fun, inviting people to be a vital part of building upon a base and leaving a legacy for all of us to enjoy for many years to come.”
Written by Ernest Bowker
42 • THE VICKSBURG POST & VICKSBURG-WARREN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE