The Bruin Jazz Band is 20 members in all, from freshmen through seniors. The group practices twice a week and is led by co-directors Mike Dodson and Mark Villines.

"We have a lot of kids who are interested in jazz," says Dodson. "We like to have fun and be competitive."

The Bruin Jazz Band typically plays the annual Muskogee Jazz Festival, SunFest and various other venues around the state. The group scored a "superior" rating at last year's Muskogee festival and a superior rating at this years Verdigris Jazz Festival.

"We play several community events, including our own concert and with the Madison Middle School Jazz Band," notes Dodson.

"We have a good group this year, we're looking forward to trying to incorporate a state contest into our plans."

“The Bruin Jazz Band is not considered a class,” says Dodson. “So, it’s something extra for the kids so they can learn the style of music and have fun with it.”