Goals
- To present students at Bryant High School with the opportunity to learn, sing, and perform music in our graded and leveled choir program.
- To offer a quality musical experience through performance and competition of diverse choral literature.
- To promote the cultivation of student relationships through teamwork and camaraderie.
- To offer aspiring students opportunities for leadership.
- To promote and develop good character in each student - including, but not limited to: self-discipline, creativity, self-esteem, and enthusiasm for learning.
- To develop an aesthetic appreciation for choral music in students and in the surrounding community.
Meet the Director
Tanner Oglesby, a native of Saline County, currently teaches at Bryant High School. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Henderson State University, a Master of Science in Education degree from Arkansas State University, licensure in K-12 Music and ESOL, and is currently working towards his Master of Music degree from Western Illinois University.
Since being hired at Bryant, Tanner has grown the choral program by adding new ensembles, designing a music technology course, and developing music literacy. Well-connected in the community, Tanner has also worked with business and community leaders to help fund items and travel for students in need. His students have achieved high ranks in region, state, and national level honor choirs and his choirs have received several Best in Class State Titles. A leader in his field, Tanner has been asked to present district level professional development sessions on technology and teacher-student relationships. He also serves on the State board for his professional organization, Arkansas Choral Directors Association, also presenting content-specific sessions on the state level.
In addition to Teacher and Staff Impact Awards, School Spirit Awards, and Community Leader Awards, Tanner has earned the distinct honor of being named the Bryant High School Teacher of the Year and the Bryant School District Teacher of the Year.
Outside of school, Tanner leads the Saline Symphony Orchestra, which is a non-profit organization that gives free performances in the community and provides educational and financial support to students seeking arts training. Tanner recently collaborated with community leaders to develop a partnership to provide free performing arts lessons to students in foster care. Tanner also volunteers his time as the Education Director for a local youth theatre troupe, The Young Players, by designing weekend enrichment activities and helping plan an educational trip to New York City biennially. Tanner’s other professional affiliations include ACDA, NAfME, ASTA, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Since being hired at Bryant, Tanner has grown the choral program by adding new ensembles, designing a music technology course, and developing music literacy. Well-connected in the community, Tanner has also worked with business and community leaders to help fund items and travel for students in need. His students have achieved high ranks in region, state, and national level honor choirs and his choirs have received several Best in Class State Titles. A leader in his field, Tanner has been asked to present district level professional development sessions on technology and teacher-student relationships. He also serves on the State board for his professional organization, Arkansas Choral Directors Association, also presenting content-specific sessions on the state level.
In addition to Teacher and Staff Impact Awards, School Spirit Awards, and Community Leader Awards, Tanner has earned the distinct honor of being named the Bryant High School Teacher of the Year and the Bryant School District Teacher of the Year.
Outside of school, Tanner leads the Saline Symphony Orchestra, which is a non-profit organization that gives free performances in the community and provides educational and financial support to students seeking arts training. Tanner recently collaborated with community leaders to develop a partnership to provide free performing arts lessons to students in foster care. Tanner also volunteers his time as the Education Director for a local youth theatre troupe, The Young Players, by designing weekend enrichment activities and helping plan an educational trip to New York City biennially. Tanner’s other professional affiliations include ACDA, NAfME, ASTA, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
20-21 Choir Leadership Team
Lexie Ellis, President
Josh Mellor, Vice President
William Alverio, Treasurer
Jae Thomas, Event Coordinator
Gavin Miller, Music Librarian
Bella Watkins, Uniform Coordinator
Molly Austin, Social Media Coordinator
Jack Clay, Website Coordinator
