By Staff
SINGING THEIR HEART OUT Ginger Grissom Stevens directs The Wesley Belles. Singers include: Betty Vise, left, Irene Nichols, Emily Fair, Frances Rush, Russ Anderson, Tommie Ethridge, Karla Crenshaw, Barbara Schneider, Sidney Covington, Dr. Leigh White, Peggy Melton, Sue Davidson, Beryl Webb and Mary Moore. Not pictured are Wanda Lilly, Jill Aycock, Paulette Jones and Alana Fair. The all-women's group was formed in February and is named in honor of Wesley House. Photo by Carsia McCain/ The Meridian Star
By Penny Randall / staff writer
June 9, 2002
The definition of a belle is a woman whose charm and beauty make her a favorite just like Meridian's newest singing sensations, the Wesley Belles.
These 19 women, who range in age from their mid-20s to their 60s, have been together since February. The group united at the request of Ginger Grissom Stevens, the associate director of Wesley House.
The start
Billy Melton who heads the men's group, the Barber Shop Chorus, approached Stevens, who holds a master's degree in music, about starting a ladies' group.
But Melton didn't give up and kept talking with Stevens, who is also a radio personality and hosts a Friday morning talk show on WMOX.
Stevens soon found out there were many interested and found herself holding auditions for the group.
Good singers, big hearts
The ladies say they are a very focused group that wants to spread joy and uplift the community.
Several churches in the area are represented including Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church, First Baptist Church and Central Methodist Church.
East Mississippi Community College teacher Irene Nichols, who travels from Scooba each week to practice, said the drive is worth it.
Said Sidney Covington, another member: "Our families are so supportive, because they know we love the Lord and love what we are doing."
Age doesn't matter
When they initially came together, most members didn't know each other. The groups contains a mother and daughter, sisters, cousins and sister-in-laws.
Member Peggy Melton has felt that power.
At age 24, social worker Emily Fair is the youngest member of the group.
The group includes members from all professions, including teachers, nurses, a podiatrist, homemakers and several ladies who work at the Wesley House.
Their music
Stevens describes the group's music as well-rounded. They perform songs like "Mr. Sandman" and "Good Night Sweetheart."
The group mainly sings a cappella. But members are are working on a 1960s medley with comedy routines choreographed to music.
Recently the group sang at the Multi-County Banquet where they entertained U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering.
The group is happy with the number of members they currently have, but people can still audition.
For most of the members, the group is simply one way to have fun.
As Mary Moore said, "this is fulfilling my heart's desire to sing. I have been singing since my parents used to send my away from the table for bursting into song."
Said Stevens: "For the audience to be able to enjoy the performers, then the performers have to be able to enjoy what they are doing."