The Mississippi Music Institute is a 501(c)(3) located in the "City of Soul" Jackson, Mississippi. Our Mission is to inspire paideia of the musical and performing arts throughout Mississippi. MMI was founded by the late Mr. Christopher Sanchez Little in 2011, since our founding our organization has offered programming in the areas of community ensembles, supplementary education services, and professional assistance/resources for local music teachers and band directors. The purpose of the Institute is to bring musicians from all walks of life and standing together to develop, enhance, and expose their musical skills. With our roots based in education, we aim to create pathways to educational opportunities for students to the end of providing a positive setting for Jackson youth to participate in constructive activities that will impact their future professional quality of life as musicians and artists. 

Since our inception, our organization has offered a performance outlet for over 5,000 musicians, dancers, music arrangers, aspiring and professional instructors, and media personnel. Our debut ensemble, the Mississippi Alumni Allstar Band fondly known as "MAAB" has created a national presence since its first performance over 13 years ago, predating the Institutes formation, MAAB has provided an opportunity for nearly 1000 musicians to perform, maintain, and further develop musical/performance skills during it's summer programming, which is traditionally the off period for local and school ensembles.

Through our yearly charity event known as The Independance Showcase, the Mississippi Music Institute has created a culture known as "Summer Band", giving performers from all walks of life, and skill level an opportunity to network, build community through teamwork and performance during the off season. Since its inaugural date, the Independance Showdown has been a catalyst to connect state organizations/community ensembles across the southern region of the United States for a night of musical appreciation and sportsmanship. Originally only comprised of about 3 participating bands our most recent showcase attracted nearly 11 community ensembles to gather in the City of Soul for a day of band!  This impact is significant to us at MMI, validating the work we have done to create a network of music lovers and advocates, nearly 90% of the founders/directors of community ensembles such as the New Orleans Mass Band, North Carolina Mass Band, Georgia Mass Band, and Memphis Mass Band, are all former volunteers and performers of the Mississippi Alumni Allstar Band Program.   

In the year 2025, the Mississippi Music Institue is gearing up to advance our programming into the next phase, doing our part to build the economic stability of future and currently professional musicians.  This phase will feature in depth supplemental education programs for all ages, additional ensembles, data collection programs, and music technology integrations that directly impact the ability for artist and musicians to monetize the gift of music!