Emerging Artists In Concert

The Pine Belt is known for a dynamic array of performing artists. Grab a cup of coffee as FestivalSouth showcases new talent in this very special morning concert. Support the artists of the future as they share their talents with a debut on our stage. You won’t want to miss this special musical wake-up call!

Featuring Brynna Carpenter, soprano; Tyler Tucker, saxophone; Juan Carlos Piedra Carvajal, oboe; Matthew Barron, clarinet; Brad Pilcher, clarinet

Presented by Forrest County, with support from the City of Hattiesburg, Southern Miss College of Arts and Sciences, Southern Miss School of Music, Payne Companies, and VERB Architecture

Event Address:

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)

Peck House
3601 Pearl Street
(Recently changed to 321 Dr. Eddie Holloway Drive)
Hattiesburg, Miss.

Please note that GPS may only recognize the Pearl Street address.

About Brynna Carpenter

Brynna Carpenter is a sophomore at The University of Southern Mississippi coming from her high school in Rockwall, Texas. Brynna’s experience involves playing roles like Marmee in her high school’s production of Little Women, and then her USM debut as the leading role, Marian Paroo, in The Southern Opera and Music Theatre Company’s production of The Music Man. She was also a two-time All-State Choir soprano at the Texas Music Educators Association conference. After she finishes her degree in music education, she hopes to hit the stage in the world of opera! She is thrilled to find more opportunities to perform!

About Tyler Tucker

Tyler Tucker is an aspiring performer in their second year of their bachelor’s in music for Saxophone Performance at the University of Southern Mississippi. Studying under Dr. Dannel Espinoza, they have also been the saxophone player for the undergraduate reed quintet Orpheum Quintet for the past year. Next to receiving masterclasses with renowned saxophone players like Dr. Alan Theisen and most performers of the Raschèr Quartet, Tyler has performed in states Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Mississippi, and Louisiana. With aspirations of studying outside of the states, they are dedicated to improving every day and to perform new works for saxophone. Outside of their degree, they are the President of the social music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and a brother of the service band fraternity Kappa Kappa Psi.

About Juan Carlos Piedra Carvajal

Juan Carlos Piedra Carvajal is a Costa Rican oboist whose work spans orchestral, chamber performance, solo playing, and a strong commitment to music education. He has performed internationally in Mexico, Hungary, and The United States, and participated in masterclasses with renowned oboists such as Alex Klein, Vincent Boilard, Pedro Díaz, and Nathan Hughes. Piedra has appeared with several professional ensembles in Costa Rica: Orquesta Sinfónica de la Universidad de Costa Rica, Orquesta Filarmónica de Costa Rica, and Banda Nacional de Conciertos de la Provincia de Cartago. He has performed as a soloist with the University of Costa Rica Symphony Orchestra in 2018 and with The University of Southern Mississippi’s Symphonic Orchestra in 2026. He holds degrees from the University of Costa Rica, University of Northern Colorado, and Baylor University. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Musical Arts at The University of Southern Mississippi, where he studies with Dr. Pablo Hernandez.

About Matthew Barron

Matthew Barron is a multi-instrumentalist specializing in clarinet, flute, and saxophone, performing as a soloist, chamber musician, and musical theatre pit orchestra musician. His musical interests span a wide range of styles, including classical, jazz, and contemporary music. Matthew has performed at notable venues such as the Alys Stephens Center for the Performing Arts, BJCC Legacy Concert Hall, and the Alabama Theatre. Based in Alabama’s Birmingham metro area, Matthew has performed in over fifty musical theatre productions. His work with Red Mountain Theatre Company includes Shrek the Musical, Mary Poppins, Frozen, and The Little Mermaid. In addition to live performance, Matthew has contributed to studio recording projects, including serving as conductor for the 2023 recording of the opera Longing by Craig Alan Brandwein. The album received media recognition from Big Celebrity Buzz, highlighting the ensemble’s artistry and leadership. As both a performer and educator, Matthew is passionate about music education and community engagement. He believes music provides essential life skills such as discipline, collaboration, and effective communication, and he is dedicated to making music accessible and enjoyable for performers and audiences alike. His commitment to service and outreach was shaped in part by his involvement in the Boy Scouts of America, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Matthew earned his Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Clarinet Performance at The University of Southern Mississippi, where he serves as a Graduate Assistant. He aspires to a career teaching music at the university level.

About Brad Pilcher

Brad Pilcher is a clarinetist at the University of Southern Mississippi. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, he has performed throughout the southern United States, as well as internationally at the 2024 ICA ClarinetFest Conference in Dublin, Ireland. He currently holds positions in the University of Southern Mississippi Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and Graduate Wind Quintet. Previously, he earned appointments to the Florida State University Wind Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra, the Columbus State University Wind Ensemble, Philharmonic, and Contemporary Ensemble, as well as in chamber orchestras across the southeast. Additionally, he had the privilege of performing with members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra while at Columbus State University in 2023.

Brad holds a BM in clarinet performance from Columbus State University’s Schwob School of Music, studying with Dr. Lisa Oberlander. Additionally, he holds an MM in woodwind performance from Florida State University, studying with Dr. Deborah Bish and Dr. Jonathan Holden. At the University of Southern Mississippi, he serves as a Clarinet Studio graduate assistant, where he assists with the needs of the USM Clarinet Studio, co-directs the USM Clarinet Choir, performs in the Graduate Woodwind Quintet, and holds appointments in the university bands and orchestra.