The Mustang Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Cleon Chai performed a striking concert of challenging repertoire at the Oklahoma Music Educators Association Winter Conference in Tulsa this past January. They were invited to perform as a result of a competitive audition process. They represented the high school and the district extremely well.

The Mustang High School Improv Troupe, under the direction of Emily Farnham showcased their comedic talents in their performances on January 30 and 31. The troupe took the stage in the PAC Black Box, ready to entertain audiences with their quick wit and creative prowess.

Improvisational theatre, or improv, is a unique form of live performance where actors create scenes, characters, and dialogue on the spot, often incorporating audience suggestions. This art form requires performers to think on their feet, working together to build a cohesive narrative without the safety net of a script. The MHS Improv Troupe has been diligently rehearsing, honing their skills in the art of "Yes, and..." - a fundamental principle of improv that encourages actors to accept and build upon their fellow performers' ideas.

The Tri-M Music Honor Society, formerly known as Modern Music Masters, is an international program dedicated to recognizing exceptional music students in grades 6-12 for their academic and musical achievements, leadership, and service. As a program of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Tri-M fosters interest in band, orchestra, and choral performance, providing opportunities for personal musical expression. Tri-M promotes music education and provides students with leadership and teamwork skills through performance, community service, and music advocacy events.

Tri -M students from the high school read to students at Centennial Elementary School a week ago. Both the elementary students and the high school students were exceptionally excited to share this time together. This is a great example of the difference our fine arts programs are making throughout the district. Tri-M Sponsors are Sohailah Stout, Stephanie Easley, and Ryan Edgmon.

MBI 6th Grade band students, presented their first concert for 5th grade students to help them learn about what band is and how they might consider joining band next year. It is a wonderful time of sharing from one student group to another!! The MBI band is under the direction of Madi Fleming, Jessica Holt, and Shane Holmquist.

MHS Theatre & Debate team, coached by Emily Farnham & Thomas Teague, competed at the OSSAA Qualifying Speech & Debate tournament at Crossings Christian School, and added more Regional Qualifiers for the competition in March. Additionally, our team won 2nd Place Sweepstakes (overall team placement).
Congrats to:

• Kaedynce Looney (3rd place, Dramatic Interpretation)
• LeeAnn Kline & Katelyn Taylor (3rd place, Humorous Duet)
• Kolby Robertson (1st place, Info Speaking AND 3rd place, Lincoln Douglas Debate)
• Evelyn Moreland (2nd place, Original Oratory)
• Brooke Hemingway (1st place, Prose)
• Lyric Wells & Leia Eads (3rd place, Champs Dramatic Duet)
• Leia Eads (3rd place, Champs Dramatic Interpretation)
• Micah Murray (1st place, Champs Lincoln Douglas Debate)

Pic, L to R: (front row) Lyric Wells, Katelyn Taylor, Brooke Hemingway, Evelyn Moreland, Micah Murray, Kaedynce Looney, Kolby Robertson

(back row) Coaches Emily Farnham & Thomas Teague

not pictured: Leia Eads, LeeAnn Kline

In celebration of lunar new year, the Hung Vet Lion and Dragon Dance association presented their dances to pre-kindergarten , kindergarten and 1st grade students at Riverwood Elementary. Alexander, the team's co-leader attended Mustang schools. Hanna (pictured below) brought red envelopes to share with the dancers. This is a great example of honoring all the cultures that our student body represents. This was made possible through the work of Amanda Thomas, music teacher at Riverwood.

Mustang North Choir, under the direction of Megan Deister, had an early start to their Valentine's day singing at the opening session of the Oklahoma Association of Secondary Principals/Oklahoma Mid Level Education Association Leadership conference in Edmond. In addition to singing a wonderful a capella version of the National Anthem, they sang all about making dreams come true. What a great message for these educational leaders to start their day!

What happens when Grandma tells the stories her way...they start with "Twice Upon a Time." Theatre two students presented this wonderful collection of fractured fairy tales to students in a number of Mustang elementary schools. For many of the students in attendance, this was their first encounter with live theatre. Mrs. Emily Farnham, Mustang High School Theatre Teacher, directed this show.

Dr. Lonnie Easter from the University of Oklahoma, worked with the high school jazz orchestra to expand their skills in improvisation. American jazz includes improvised solos where musicians make up the content of their solos on the spot. It is a highly complex process requiring understanding in music theory and pedagogy combined with excellent listening skills. The students are working at extremely high levels of critical thinking as they make great music in the moment.