Music Department Faculty

Connie Lambuth

Fine Arts Division Chair Instructor of Piano, Music Appreciation, and Music for Elementary Education

Mrs. Lambuth holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education and Piano from Mississippi State University. She also holds a Master’s degree in Music Education from Southeastern Louisiana University and continued graduate study at Mississippi College. Mrs. Lambuth is a dedicated educator with over 34 years experience in music education. She has worked at Southwest for 24 years.

For more information, call 601-276-3814 or email CLOAKING .

Joe Elliott

Choir Director,Instructor of Voice, Music Appreciation, and Music History

Mr. Joseph Elliott earned both the Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Voice from Mississippi College. He has studied at Oberlin College and Belmont University. He has been employed with Southwest MS Community College since the fall of 1996.

Mr. Elliott has distinguished himself as a singer, teacher, conductor, director, producer, and performer. Mr. Elliott has been involved in Opera and Theatre productions, and the Southwest Mississippi Community College annual stage shows.

For more information, call 601-276-2003 or email CLOAKING .

Andrew Dale

Director of Bands Instructor of Music Theory, Steel Pans, and Applied Instrumental Lessons (guitar, woodwind, brass, percussion)

Mr. Dale holds a Bachelor of Music from William Carey College in Hattiesburg and a Master of Music Education degree from The University of Southern Mississippi he is currently finishing his doctoral dissertation at The University of Southern Mississippi. Mr. Dale has been a music educator for eight years, four of which have been at SMCC. He has previously taught music at the elementary, middle school and high school levels.

For more information, call 601-276-3749 or email CLOAKING .

Jason Mathena

Assistant Director of Bands Instructor of Music Theory, Steel Pans, and Applied Instrumental Lessons (percussion & jazz)

Mr. Mathena received his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Auburn University, his Master's in Percussion Performance from the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, and he is currently finishing his doctoral dissertation at the University of Southern Mississippi. This is Jason’s first year at Southwest as Assistant Director of Bands. An avid percussionist, Mr. Mathena performs with The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, The Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra, and Meridian Symphony Orchestra. He is in high demand as a performer and clinician throughout the region.

For more information, call 601-276-3725 or email CLOAKING .

Shelton Whittington

Stage Band Director

Mr. Whittington has been associated with SMCC for over 34 years both as an instructor and director of bands. He is currently serving as stage band director, a program that has enjoyed continued success since 1975. Shelton holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Mississippi State University and Master of Education degree from Southeastern Louisiana University. He enjoys playing in the orchestra at his church and helping young people recognize their musical abilities.

For more information, call 601-276-4831 or email CLOAKING .