OPSU Music Department Places Four State Band Members Submitted by Charla Lewis Goodwell, Okla. — Four of OPSUs concert band members were selected to participate in this years Oklahoma Intercollegiate Honor Band during the Oklahoma Music Educators Associations convention in Tulsa, Jan. 15-18. Kassie Betterton (Guymon, sophomore), Caitlyn Christie (Guymon, freshman), Kassidi Partida (Guymon, sophomore), and Tyler Stephens (Fowler, Colo., junior) represented OPSU during approximately twelve hours of rehearsal stretched out over Wednesday afternoon and evening, and Thursday morning and afternoon before their concert at 3 p.m. that same afternoon. There were around 100 students representing 15 universities across the state in the honor band conducted by Richard Clary, Senior Band Conductor at Florida State University. This is the best representation that OPSU has had in the honor band in recent memory. I hope that this is a sign of things to come for OPSUs music program. Since Im an alumnus as well as the band director, Id really like to see the band program take off again. My hope is that when the community sees that great things are happening at OPSU and more specifically in the band program, they wont hesitate to send their kids here to be a part of it and more than that—that the kids will say I want to be a part of that OPSU band, says Charla Lewis, OPSU Director of Bands. Ty Stephens confirmed, What an honor it was to represent OPSU through music. It was an incredible experience, and Im so glad I was able to participate! Also representing the university at the convention were OPSUs collegiate National Association for Music Education (NAfME) members which included Jake Barnes (senior), Kassie Cannon (sophomore), Jasmine Brown-Jutras (freshman), Felipe Gonzalez (sophomore), Jose Hernandez (freshman), Virginia Leitner (sophomore), David Peebles (sophomore), and Danny Stoops (senior). When asked about his experience at the convention, Gonzalez said, It was a great experience! I really enjoyed meeting all kinds of different people and getting advice from experienced teachers. The best advice was dont be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Gonzalez is from Hermitage, Ark., and is working on his music education degree. Under the guidance of Joel Garber, OPSU Director of Vocal Music, OPSUs collegiate chapter of NAfME has been growing and holding regular meetings with guest speakers. So far this year, NAfME has hosted two veteran teachers with ties to the university to share their experiences with public school education, Dr. Christi Roach and Dr. Wayne Stewart.
Posted on: Wed, 05 Mar 2014 22:13:50 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015