Arts Directory

About

Artist Bio

Maurice Middleton has spent more than two decades delighting congregations and audiences with inspiring music and performances. This extraordinary musician was born in Orangeburg, SC, and was educated in the Orangeburg County public schools. As life progressed Maurice began his matriculation at South Carolina State University to pursue a degree in Music Education. Maurice Middleton is passionate about training, mentoring and inspiring the next generation of vocalists, instrumentalists, directors, and music educators. He is a member of the following professional organizations: South Carolina Music Educators Association (SCMEA), American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), National Association for Music Education (NAFME).

Artist Statement

Being a musical artist comes with immense responsibility, which demands focus and personal and professional goals. I firmly believe that every individual possesses a purpose and a place in society. Consequently, I must constantly reevaluate my approach and repertoire in light of new ideas and societal norms.

One of the primary purposes of the arts is to evoke emotions, stimulate critical thinking, and foster empathy and understanding among individuals and cultures. In light of this, my artistic approach is concise, guided by two core concepts: relevance and relationship.

Relevance and relationship are intrinsically linked. To be an effective artist in any situation, I believe it is crucial to learn and understand the community or audience. I want to delve into their personal experiences and understand the impact they may have on their community. By grasping the culture of my audience, I aim to establish a stronger sense of connection with them. This connection will enable me to not only deliver a successful performance but also potentially evoke positive change through my music.

Culturally sensitive knowledge empowers me to select musical compositions that pique their interest while simultaneously catalyzing historical concepts, community pride, and self-worth. Audiences are always captivated when they feel a connection to the performer, the world around them, and great music.