(Cushing, Okla.) Cushing can now claim 3 of the state’s best musicians.
Three Cushing High School students performed last weekend with the OKMEA All-State Honor Choirs and Ensembles. Grace Rosas and Preston Prock were selected and performed as part of the 2016 OKMEA All-State Mixed Chorus. The audition process begins in September with approximately 2,000 Oklahoma high school students. The final cut produces 25 students in each section. Grace was selected as a Soprano I and Preston was selected for a Tenor II. Grammy Award winning conductor, Jerry Blackstone, from the University of Michigan, led the choral group in their outstanding performance. Grace and Preston are students under the direction of Belinda Flynn, CHS Choir Director.
Also performing at the OKMEA All-State Honor Festival was Abbi Wright, who performed in the OKMEA All-State Orchestra. Abbi received first chair, playing the oboe. Abbi also auditioned throughout the year to claim first chair with her instrument. Matthew Thomas Troy, Artistic Director of the Piedmont Wind Symphony and the Education Conductor for the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, led the All-State Orchestra. Abbi is under the direction of Danny and Danna White, and assisted by Robin Buckles, CHS Band Directors.
Last week’s OKMEA Honor Festival also hosts workshops for music educators all over the state. Cushing Music Teachers attending this event were Kristin Beasley, Susan Lauderdale, Christi Hickman, Danny and Danna White, Belinda Flynn, and Robin Buckles.
