OC students performed in the Oklahoma Music Educators Association Convention

Students from multiple schools were invited to play in the honor band performances this January.

A select group of Oklahoma Christian University’s talented Music students were chosen to perform in the Oklahoma Music Educators Association Convention late last month in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

It is an honor to be chosen to perform in the OkMEA honor band. Each musician is selected based on character, musical skills and demonstrated leadership. Band directors are sent forms in order to nominate their students to play at the convention. Eight OC Music students performed at OkMEA. Sam Vaughn and Cameron Cox performed in the UCO Jazz Band chosen as an Honor Ensemble. Gavin Welch, Peyton Welch, Ashlyn Karguth, Kamden Minor, Elise Lewis and Mason Pendergrass performed in the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Honor Band.

The convention hosted over 100 music performances of choral and instrumental music by elementary through college ensembles and professional music groups. The OC students took part in several performances, and helped recruit students into looking at the university. At the convention, the students are given nine hours to rehearse before performing.

Music Program Chair Heath Jones has been able to send students to perform for several years.

“Each fall, over 70,000 Texas high school students begin the All-State audition process,” Jones said. “1,810 are ultimately selected to rehearse and perform during the annual TMEA Convention in one of 18 Texas All-State ensembles, including four choirs: Mixed Choir, Treble Choir, Tenor-Bass Choir and Small School Mixed Choir.”

Just south of Oklahoma, one of the largest music conventions also attracts OC faculty. OC Music professors George Schrader and Kyle Pullen will attend the Texas Music Education Association in San Antonio, Texas Feb. 8-11.