Mustang High School Band Officially Arrives In Indianapolis For Competition

In this week’s Beyond the Bell, a success story, before the competition even starts.  

After their transportation to a big national competition fell through, the Oklahoma community came through for the Mustang High School marching band this week.

“It was a truly emotional experience when the kids pulled in the parking lot last night, people have recognized us and seen the story over the last few days, has been pretty phenomenal,” Mustang High School band director Ryan Edgmon said. 

The band performs for home games and practices for months — all efforts leading up to the Bands of American Grand Nationals in Indianapolis. 

“Our show is entitled ‘Shark World,’ and we’ve got 36 inflatable sharks and we’ve got sailors,” Edgmon said. 

For the band, missing the trip to Indianapolis was not an option. 

“I think it’s amazing how so many schools across Oklahoma helped us out, even though, in football and stuff, whenever we have games or anything we might be rivals, but they’re still willing to give us a helping hand,” MHS flutist and drum major Emma Huinh said.

Mustang Public Schools issued a ‘Thank you’ with dozens of names of schools, companies and individuals who offering to get the band to their big show.

“Really, we’re just looking forward to having a great show, ya know, working together all as a team and as a group, it is really something special, going out and putting your all into it,” MHS drum major Aidan Nuñez said.

The band did their preliminary show Friday morning in Lucas Oil Stadium, which is home of the Indianapolis Colts. 

“It feels great to perform for such a large audience and in such a huge cool stadium, as well,” MHS flutist and drum major said Andrew Hoang said. “It makes me really happy to see smiles across like everyone’s face when they see the sharks come into the stadium, and it’s really hilarious.”

Band members said this experience is a highlight for them and are thankful for the community’s assistance.  

“It was kind of spectacular to kind of see people come together, even though they may not know each other,” MHS saxophone player and drum major Greg Oliver said. “They still came together to put out a helping hand to get us here, and we’re all really thankful for that.”

“Just being here in general, like having the opportunity to play at an amazing stadium with an amazing group of people and an amazing community who support our backs,” MHS flutist and drum major Jenny Nguyen said.

The band will find out Friday night if they qualify for the semifinal round.