Mustang community shows it’s with the band
MUSTANG — Although it’s one of the smaller projects, the groundbreaking for the band room addition at Canyon Ridge Intermediate was accompanied by the fanfare of a drum line and the fight song.
Canyon Ridge, which houses half of the district’s fifth- and sixth-graders, opened in 2013 with 85 sixth grade students in the band program. There are about 350 enrolled for the 2017-2018 school year.
Superintendent Sean McDaniel said during the Tuesday gathering that it’s evident there is an interest in the community for the fine arts.
“You don’t have to talk to too many people, whether it’s on the board, employees of our district, or parents, to know pretty quickly that fine arts are a big deal in this district,” he said.
“This is another example of our commitment to furthering that program in our district. This is not just a Canyon Ridge celebration; this is a district celebration.”
Ryan Edgmon, district director of bands, offered his thanks to the community and for the support from the administration, as the entire band program has grown exponentially in the past five to seven years.
“Every time we come upon a hurdle, or every time we are met with explosive growth, it is always met with reception, warmth and accommodation by our school district. It’s been absolutely heartwarming to be a part of,” he said.
Edgmon also gave credit to the teachers who support the students involved in band.
Belinda Watson, Canyon Ridge Intermediate band director, said the addition will make the band feel as if it has a home to go to.
“It’s so meaningful,” she said. “These kids want to be a part of something special and amazing, and they want to make their mark in their school. The arts is one way to do that.”
Randy Nancy with Crossland and Heath Tate with MA+ Architecture also addressed the group. Both remarked that although this is one of the smaller projects to come out of the Feb. 14 bond issue, it is evident how important the project is to the campus and the district.
The Canyon Ridge band room addition is expected to be finished before the 2017-2018 school year is over. A groundbreaking was held in June for a new elementary school and intermediate school that are set to open for the 2018-2019 school year.