Faculty and Staff Jeremy Parker Instrumental Music
jeremyparker@bixbyps.org
Steven Collins Instrumental Music scollins@bixbyps.org
Kevin Pearson Vocal Music
kpearson@bixbyps.org
Betty Fisher-Stanton Drama and Theater bfisher@bixbyps.org
Connie Coleman Piano
ccoleman@bixbyps.org
Julie Jankowski Visual Art
jjankowski@bixbyps.org
Cynthia John Vocal Music Accompanist cjohn@bixbyps.org
Vicki Engledow Speech and Debate
vengledow@bixbyps.org
Alysia Shepard Fine Arts Technician ashepard@bixbyps.org
As we all know, these are strange and curious times we are living in. We are no longer meeting in person. The classroom doors are shuttered. Performances have been cancelled, celebrations postponed, and we are feeling a certain loss in not seeing our friends and peers every day. Those feelings of frustration and grief are normal in these abnormal times. While it is not healthy to wallow in these emotions, you should definitely feel them if that is what is in your heart and mind. As musicians, actors, artists, and orators, we feel emotions deeply. Those emotions are often translated in our art, becoming part of the sketches we sketch, the songs we sing, and the fights we fight. Do not stop feeling these emotions; instead, use them to create. Create alone and find ways to create collaboratively. You have many tools at your disposal. Use them with innovation and freedom. As teachers, we recognize how difficult this time is. For our Seniors and the families of our Seniors, it is especially trying. Their high school careers are closing under the strangest of circumstances. Graduation has been postponed. Gatherings and parties have been, too. For many, it may feel like the celebration will never come. But we are here to tell you: the celebration is just beginning. Seniors - we are in awe of you. We celebrate your work, your efforts, everything that you have accomplished up to this point and everything you will accomplish in the future. We look forward to seeing your names in lights someday, to meeting your kids and grandkids, and to hearing of your absolutely incredible successes. Amazing things are in store for you. You are now undeniably bonded with all of the other seniors across the country. Your extraordinary circumstances tie you so closely together. You will forever be the unique, resilient, and wonderful Class of 2020. In this issue of the Bixby High School Fine Arts Newsletter, we celebrate you!
OLIVIA HILL Olivia Hill has been an extremely active member of the Bixby Fine Arts program, having been in Choir for nine years, Band and Color Guard for six years, and in BPS Musical Theatre productions for five years. Olivia was twice-chosen for membership in the Northeastern Choral Directors Association All-District Honor Choir and received Superior Ratings in various ensembles at OSSAA Solo and Ensemble Contest for three years. Olivia says that the BHS Fine Arts programs have changed her life, continuing that she has “made so many friends and memories that will last a lifetime.� After graduation, she will attend Tulsa Community College and subsequently transfer to Oklahoma State University to obtain a degree in Nursing.
MORGAN McBURNETT Morgan is a member of the BHS Band. She earned spots in the All-District Band twice and garnered a placed in the State ensemble, playing the French Horn, during her Freshman and Senior Years. Additionally, this past year she served as a Brass Lieutenant and as the Mellophone Section Leader. As a member of the Pride of Bixby, Morgan has learned to be part of a group and to lead others with compassion and patience. Following graduation, Morgan will attend the University of Central Oklahoma and major in Nursing.
ASHLEIGH HEWETT Ashleigh has sung in various choirs since the Third Grade and is a four-year member of the Bixby High School Choir. Ashleigh earned two Superior Ratings for ensembles at the OSSAA District Solo and Ensemble Contest this year and earned spots in both 2016 and 2018 in the All-District Honor Choir. Ashleigh says that her participation in the BHS Choir has taught her valuable life skills and enhanced her ability to sing anything. She has developed greater confidence, the ability to perform, and has strengthened her drive to be a better musician. Ashleigh will attend John Brown University in the fall, where she will pursue two degrees. While at JBU, she will major in Graphic Design and then continue on in their 4+1 program to earn a Master’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Design Thinking and Innovation.
MASON ADAMS Mason is a seven-year member of the Bixby Band program. During middle and high school, he earned a spot in the All-District Band six times. This year Mason was appointed to the position of Trumpet Lieutenant in the BHS Band. He says that the Fine Arts Programs at Bixby have taught him to be “dedicated, creative, collaborative, and to become a leader through the high expectations and excellent instructors and directors.” He will attend Oklahoma State University in the fall, majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
CONNOR MEYER Connor is an enthusiastic member of the Bixby High School Band. He lists many things among his accomplishments during his high school career in the fine arts, including his contribution to the State Champion Pride of Bixby for four years, as well as reaching finals during his freshman and sophomore years at the St. Louis Super Regional Marching Band Competition (placing first during the latter) and the Band’s participation in the 2019 London New Year’s Day Parade. Connor earned Superior Ratings at District and State Solo and Ensemble Contests, participating in solos and multiple ensembles every year of high school. He earned spots in the All-District Band for six years and advanced to the second round of All-State Auditions for three years. He has played as a member of the Bixby High School Wind Ensemble for four years, serving as Principal Tuba this past year, and as a member of the Bixby Jazz 2 Ensemble during his sophomore and senior years. Connors says, “My participation in band has helped me not only grow as a person, but taught me time management, teamwork, leadership, perseverance, and most importantly, enjoying what you do. Participation in Band has helped forge friendships which will last a lifetime. My parents tell the story of my first band concert, they saw the smile on my face and knew I had found my people.” After graduation, Connor will be attending Oklahoma State University to earn a dual degree in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. Additionally, he will play in the Cowboy Marching Band Sousaphone Line and plans to participate in ensembles across campus throughout his college career.
KYIA STAYTON Kyia has spent four years in both the Drama and Speech and Debate programs at Bixby High School. Kyia excelled all the way to the National Competition in Humorous Interpretation during all four years of high school, placing in the Top 50 every single year. In addition, Kyia has earned first place in Humorous Interpretation at both the state and regional levels. Kyia says that the BHS Fine Arts Programs have “refined her speech skills and shown her a passion for the arts and all things speech. They have also helped her to get jobs because of her advanced public speaking skills.” Kyia will be attending the University of Central Oklahoma, majoring in Speech Language Pathology.
COURTNEY LISTER Courtney is finishing up four years as a member of the Pride of Bixby Band. Twice during that time, she earned spots in the All-District Honor Band. She says that being in the Pride has taught her “discipline, punctuality, and that anything that you have to work hard for is absolutely worth it.” Courtney will attend Tulsa Community College for two years to obtain an Associate Degree in Business. In the future, she hopes to own her own business.
JAMIE WILLIAMS Jamie is a member of the Bixby High School Band. She has received multiple Superior Ratings at the District and State levels for both solos and ensembles. Additionally, Jamie is proud of her time in both the Pride of Bixby and the BHS Jazz Band for the last four years. Jamie says that her time in the Fine Arts at BHS has helped her with time management, as well as “finding a creative and productive outlet.” As a participant in the Tulsa Achieves Program, Jamie is headed to Tulsa Community College to obtain her associate degree in Psychology with the hope of furthering that education at another institution afterward.
EMILY HARRIS Emily has spent four years in Marching Band — one of them at BHS. She says that being a part of the Fine Arts at Bixby High School has taught her patience, to be a team play, and a great amount of self-discipline. As part of this, being in Band has helped Emily to push herself to stay on top of all of her classes. After graduation, Emily is planning on going to Tulsa Community College from which she will transfer to a four-year university.
LUKE KIRK Luke Kirk has spent seven years in the Bixby Public Schools Band program. He is proud to have been appointed Head Drum Major and has earned Superior Ratings at OSSAA Solo and Ensemble Contests for four years. Additionally, Luke is a four-year member of the All-District Band. To quote Luke: In the Fine Arts, “I’ve learned the art of self-discipline and pushing through all trials and tribulations. I have found myself, in many times, forming better study habits and finding my day to be very organized through habits formed.” Luke will attend the University of Oklahoma in the fall, where he will be pursuing a double major in Accounting and Trombone Performance.
BAILEY KEOUGH Bailey has spent three years in Choir during high school and has been in the BHS Creative Writing program for one year. This year she earned a Superior Rating at the OSSAA District Solo and Ensemble Contest, singing a duet with Aubrey McNiel of Humperdinck’s “Prayer” from the opera Hansel and Gretel. She says that the Fine Arts have always been something she is inclined to. It provides her an avenue of “showing off her skills.” She plans to attend college after high school and is currently weighing her options.
EMMA NEASBY Emma has been a member of the Bixby High School Band for the last four years. In her time at BHS, she earned four Superior Ratings at solo contest, as well as earning a spot in the All-District Band for four years and was an alternate for All-State for one year. Additionally, she went to the State Contest for Marching Band during all four years. She says that her participation in Band has taught her time management skills, teamwork, and has fostered a love of music in her life. After graduation, she is headed to Oklahoma City University, where she will study Music Education and Composition.
ANTHONY KEMP Anthony has been a member of the Bixby High School Band for the past four years. When listing his accomplishments, he says he is especially proud of the state championships the Band has won, as well as his own appointment as Woodwind Captain. Anthany say that participation in the BHS Fine Arts Programs has showed him that he must “always keep pushing through, no matter how demanding it may be, through time or physical activity. The Pride of Bixby is Perseverance.” After high school, Anthony will work toward his goal of becoming a Physical Therapist and Nutritionist, with the hope to see others grow in the most healthy of ways.
JACOB DAVIS Jacob is a member of the Bixby High School Band. He has received multiple Superior Ratings at State and District Solo and Ensemble Contests and has earned spots in multiple All-District Honor Bands. Jacob is proud to have been part of the prestigious Bixby High School Wind Ensemble for two years and a member of the Pride of Bixby Marching Band for three years. According to Jacob, participation in the BHS Band program has “refined his character and taught him how to work hard and be successful, not only as a student, but as a hard-working citizen.” Upon graduation from BHS, Jacob will attend Oklahoma State University,where he will major in Music Education.
BRYNN GARTNER Brynn is a four-year scholar in the BHS Visual Art Department and has spent the last three years in Drama, as well. Brynn’s accomplishments are numerous, having designed and painted the back of Bixby’s piano for Mayfest’s “Play Me, Tulsa!” campaign, obtaining an art scholarship to Oklahoma State University, earning a 4 on the Advanced Placement Studio Art test in 2019, and painting a door for the BHS English Hall Door Project. She has won several medals in Speech and Debate, going to the District, Regional, and State Competitions. She is ranked among the Top 50 Humorous Duet Competitors in the State of Oklahoma, and has been a runner-up to go to the National Competition twice. This year Brynn and her partner attended a tournament in Wichita, Kansas at which they entered and won in the Improvised Duet Acting category, a feat that is both unusual and incredible, as this category is not offered in Oklahoma and, as such, they were not trained for. In addition to her acting accomplishments, Brynn has spent countless hours painting and designing set pieces for many of the shows offered by the BHS Drama Department. According to Brynn, “My whole life is dedicated to art and theatre, and these classes definitely helped me make that decisions of what I want to do with my life. The friends I made in those classes are the friends I hope to keep for the rest of my life. I would be a completely different person if not for these programs.” In the fall, Brynn will head to Oklahoma State University, where she plans to major in Graphic Design, with a minor in Theatre. Her desire is to work for various performing companies on Broadway or beyond.
LAUREN JOHNSON Lauren is an extremely proud member for the Drama Department. During her time in the program, she played Emma in Common Ground, Lilly in Freak, and qualified for Districts and Regionals in 2020. Lauren says that her participation in Drama has helped her to realize that it is okay to be a little bit weird and to have fun. After graduation, Lauren plans to attend Mortuary School.
AIDAN SUDLER Aidan participated in Choir early in his high school career and has been in Band since his sophomore year. Additionally, he participated in a few shows with the Drama Department. Throughout his time at BHS, Aidan has had many accomplishments, including earning spots in the All-District Choir (twice), the All-State Choir, and the All-District Band, earning Superior Ratings at District Solo and Ensemble Contest, in both voice and with a piano sextet, playing the roles of Prince Dauntless (Once Upon a Mattress), Quasimodo (The Hunchback of Notre Dame), and Charlie Brown (You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown). Additionally, he is the Vice President of the BHS Chapter of Tri-M. When speaking of his time in the Fine Arts programs, Aidan says, “I have met some of my greatest friends through these programs. Because of our shared interest in music and our desire to grow in our understanding of the fine arts, we are able to encourage and uplift each other toward attaining our goals. In addition to this, I have developed a better sense of discipline, respect, and problem-solving as a result of my participation in the Fine Arts programs. These character traits have translated well into other aspects of my life, including my academic interests and personal endeavors.” After graduation, Aidan will attend the University of Oklahoma, studying Physics and Piano Performance.
MADDIE COOPER Maddie has been a member of both the BHS Band and Choir, each for four years. Additionally, she joined the Drama program this year. Maddie is the principal oboist in the Bixby High School Wind Ensemble and served as a saxophone section lieutenant in the Marching Band. She has received multiple superior ratings at OSSAA District and State Solo and Ensemble Contests, both instrumental and vocal. In Drama, she earned one (of two) NITOC qualifications in Duo and a regional qualification in Duet. Over the span of her career in the Bixby Fine Arts departments, she was Lucy in this year’s production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, an ensemble member in Bye Bye Birdie, and played in the pit orchestra for Once Upon a Mattress and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Maddie is also an active member of Tri-M, an honor society for music students. Maddie says: “Participation in the BHS Fine Arts Programs has affected me in many different ways. Each program has its own way of being a home and a family. In Band, I learned that it’s easy to find family when everyone is working together. I also learned just how far I can really push my musical abilities. In Choir, I have learned a lot about change. Especially this year. I learned that change is not always bad, although it is hard. Through my one year in drama, I gained many new friends and had many new experiences. Competing in a Drama competition for the first time was amazing. Getting to work so closely beside one partner gave me a new outlook on things I had previously learned about family from band. Overall, I learned how to keep my grades up for the things I love, give my all toward my passions, and give both love and kindness to everyone.” After graduation, Maddie will study Instrumental and Vocal Music Education at Oklahoma State University. She hopes to stay and teach in Oklahoma and raise a family in Bixby.
NATHAN ROGERS Nathan has spent three years as a member of the Bixby High School Drama Department. Additionally, during his high school career, he spent one year each in the Choir and the Band. Nathan played the title character in this year’s production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. During his time at BHS, he went to the District Contest in Dramatic Interpretation, and played King Arthur in Tragedy of Tragedies (receiving an All-Star Cast Award), Grayson in the debut student-directed show Self, Jimmy in Thoroughly Modern Millie, Captain Phoebus in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Chris in All My Sons, and Sir Harry in Once Upon a Mattress. When asked about how his participation in the Fine Arts has benefited him, he said: “It has really expanded my horizons and helped me out of my comfort zone. It also helped me learn a lot about what I want to do as an adult, which is become an actor.” After graduation, Nathan will attend the University of Central Oklahoma and pursue a career in acting.---
JENNIFER KRENZ Jennifer has participated in the Drama and Visual Arts programs during her time at BHS. Though she says her accomplishments are limited, she has left an indelible and positive impact on both of these departments. Among those, she painted a door for the English Hall Door Project, depicting the book cover of The Great Gatsby. Jennifer tells us that her engagement in the arts has helped her learn many ways in which she can communicate. She plans to work on digital art after graduation.
COLIN McSPERITT Colin has been in Band since the Sixth Grade and participated in the BHS Creative Writing program as a junior. Colin is proud of being an essential part of the Pride of Bixby as they won four State Championship Titles. He received Superior Ratings with the BHS Trombone Choir during all four years of high school and was recognized as the Band’s Most Improved Musician during his sophomore year. Colin says that being in band and interacting with its members has helped him become much more confident in himself. This fall, he will begin studying Pre-Medical Sciences at Oklahoma State University.
ALLIE WILLIAMS Allie has participated in the Bixby High School Visual Art program for four years and the Creative Writing program for two. She earned a 4 on the Advanced Placement Art Exam and assisted with the English Hall Door Project. Additionally, she was named an Honorable Mention in an international creative writing contest. According to Allie, the Fine Arts Programs at BHS have allowed her to discover her meaning in life. She says, “Creating art and stories that make people happy and emotional is what brings me joy. I’m thankful for every second I had to manifest my dream.” Allie plans to attend Northeastern State University to pursue her passion for art and writing. She hopes to publish many children’s books that will bring smiles to many young faces.
COUGAR CANNON Cougar is in his fourth year as a member of the Bixby High School Band. Among his accomplishments, he lists his pride in earning a spot in the All-State Jazz Band during his senior year. He says that Band was his favorite part of high school and that he made memories that will last a lifetime. Upon graduation, he will attend the University of Oklahoma and pursue a degree in Music Education.
KAITLIN STEVENSON Kaitlin is an active participant in the Drama (three years) and Debate (two years) programs at BHS. Among her accomplishments, she lists going to the NIETOC tournament her junior year. Kaitlin says that participation in these programs has made her a better public speaker. She plans to attend Tulsa Community College for a semester before transferring to a Navy ROTC, where she will major in Biology.
KAILEY CHINSETHAGID Kailey is a seven-year member of the BPS Bands. She has been selected for All-District Band for five years, served as Uniform Lieutenant for the Bixby Band for one year, and has earned Superior Ratings at District Solo and Ensemble Contest for four years (and in two of those years, earned Superior Ratings at the State Contest). During her time in Band, Kailey has “met a lot of interesting people” and has “learned how to work in a team with a diverse group.” Kailey will be attending the University of Tulsa, majoring in Computer Information Systems with a minor in Cyber Security. Her goal is to go on to solve cyber crime and adopt a lot of cats!
KACY JACKSON Kacy is a member of the Bixby High School Band, where she was the first freshman rifle on the rifle line and has served as the Colorguard Captain. In Kacy’s words: “I have found an amazing group of girls that supported and motivated me through anything life handed me; I grew as a performer and person. I developed better communication skills, deeper relationships, and I joined the most amazing family.” Kacy has a bright path ahead with plans to earn her Nursing degree at the University of Oklahoma, followed by a Medical degree from Baylor University, all to follow her dream of becoming a Pediatric Surgeon.
PATSY COX Patsy has spent one year on the BHS Speech and Debate team. At the Union High School Tournament, she won first place in Original Oratory and qualified to advance to Regionals. Patsy says her participation helped her to “be a better speaker” and “to always try new things.” She says you just might “end up loving it.” After graduation, Patsy will attend Northeastern State University, where she will major in Biology.
JILLIAN ECKERT Jillian first joined Band in the Sixth Grade. She has received Superior Ratings at OSSAA District Solo and Ensemble Contest twice during high school and has earned a spot in the All-District Band four times. In Jillian’s words: “Band has made me more outgoing, taught me to take constructive criticism and better from it, and it’s taught me the importance of determination. Marching Season always has rough spots, but I’ve learned to work through it and I think that’s made me a better person. I’ve also learned a lot about time management.” In the fall, Jillian will begin attending Oklahoma State University, where she will major in English and Pre-Law.
TARA ELDRIDGE Tara has been a part of the Pride of Bixby Marching Band, Varsity Percussion Ensemble, and Wind Ensemble for four years. During her senior year, Tara was selected as Percussion Captain and has been Center Snare for the past two years. She was an alternate for the Oklahoma Music Educators Association All-State Band this past year and has been a member of the GCBDA All-District Band for the last three years. During her time at BHS, she has received Outstanding Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior Percussion awards, as well as three Superior Ratings at District Solo and Ensemble Contest and one Superior at State. About the Fine Arts, Tara says, “I have met some of my closest friends throughout my time in band, and surprisingly found a love for both music and football (well, screaming at the team, that is). My directors have pushed me to work harder, practice longer, and show up earlier, and I cannot thank them enough. I’m really going to miss being in this program, but I’m excited to watch it thrive for years to come.” After graduation, Tara is headed to the University of Oklahoma with plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Physics. While there, she will play in the OU Percussion Ensemble. After earning this degree, she hopes to obtain her Master’s Degree and end up at NASA. She wants to contribute to the exploration of space, as she says: “if not by my presence in the spacecraft, then at least by pressing the button to launch it.”
BRADEN COODY Braden is a four-year member of the BHS Marching Band, and has spent one year in the Bixby Jazz Band and two years in the BHS Visual Art program. During that time, Braden was a member of the Oklahoma Bandmasters Association 6A-II State Marching 4-Time Champion - the Pride of Bixby. He also received a Superior Rating at the District Solo and Ensemble Contest for Trumpet Choir in 2020. When asked about his participation in these programs, he says they have given him a greater appreciation for all forms of the arts and a sense of personal accountability. Upon graduation, he plans to finish his education at Tulsa Technology Center for Digital Graphics and Production Printing.
PAIGE EMBERSON Paige is a four-year member of the Bixby High School Choir, having received three Superior Ratings at OSSAA District Solo and Ensemble Contest and one Superior at State. She has been a member of the NCDA Honor Choir for five years and the Oklahoma Music Educators Association All-State Choir for three years. She has served as the Vice President of the BHS Choir Council the past two years. In Paige’s words: “Being in choir has helped me a lot. Through choir, I’ve been encouraged to take on challenges I never thought I’d be able to do (like perform in front of a bunch of people). Choir has helped me to break out of my shell and talk to others. I’ve also learned a lot about leadership from my time in choir. Overall, it’s helped improve my self-esteem and make me a better person.” Following graduation, Paige will go to Tulsa Community College for two years before transferring to Northeastern State University, where she will pursue a degree in Music Education.
AUSTIN SHAY Austin is a seven-year member of the BPS Choirs and six-year member of BPS Bands. During his tenure in these programs, Austin has accomplished quite a bite, playing the role of Snoopy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, earning spots in the All-State Choir (three years) and All-State Band (two years), participating in the All-District Band and Choir (six years for each), obtaining Superior Ratings at District Solo and Ensemble Contests (Vocal and Instrumental) a total of ten times, and earning Superior Ratings at the State level eight times. Austin says, “Being in the fine arts grounded me and kept me motivated through school...fine arts helped me figure out what I want to do with my life.” Austin plans to attend Oklahoma State University this fall, where he will pursue a degree in Music Education.
DANIEL SANDOVAL Daniel has spent three years as a member of the BHS Speech and Debate program. During this time, he was appointed Debate Captain and was awarded a Special Distinction NSDA Degree. Daniel says that Debate has allowed him “the opportunity to mature and to expand his worldview.” After graduation, Daniel plans to pursue a degree and career as a lawyer.
“When we teach a child to sing or play the flute, we teach her how to listen. When we teach her to draw, we teach her to see. When we teach a child to dance, we teach him about his body and about space, and when he acts on stage, he learns about character and motivation. When we teach a child design, we reveal the geometry of the world. When we teach children about the folk and traditional arts and the great masterpieces of the world, we teach them to celebrate their roots and find their own place in history.� -Jane Alexander