Filling the halls with good cheer, the Music Appreciation and Performances Club plans to build on the momentum of last year’s successes. Club President Ezequiel Montelongo said he looks forward to partnering with other campus organizations, such as Artists in the Making and the Hispanic Student Association, to host events where students can share their talents and have fun.
The club meets every Tuesday from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Room 128 of the Visual and Performing Arts Center. Laughter often echoes from the room as members brainstorm new event ideas for the semester.
Club members range from classically trained musicians to self-taught performers.
“Anyone is welcome to join the club, from seasoned players to music enthusiasts,” Montelongo said. “Our club organizes fun events on campus where we perform or engage with our peers and community.”
During the spring 2025 semester, the club revived “OCCC’s Got Talent,” a free talent show that hadn’t been held since 2016. The event featured musicians, poets and dancers competing for prizes of up to $50. Judges included OCCC President Mautra Jones, Vice President for Academic Affairs Liz Largent and Bob Davis, a well-known critic from the Oklahoma City metro area.
Building on that success, the club plans to bring back “OCCC’s Got Talent” once again in spring of 2026.
In the meantime, the club plans to team up this fall with the Hispanic Student Association and other organizations for a Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration. Club members will perform music and assist with event preparations. The collaboration will be similar to last year’s “Artists’ Corner,” where students were invited to create watercolor or clay art, sing karaoke with friends and collaborate with musicians. The previous event ended with club members performing “Best Part” by H.E.R. and Daniel Caesar.
Many members of the Music Appreciation and Performances Club play multiple instruments and enjoy helping others learn. Whether it’s gaining confidence by trying something new or bonding over a shared love of music, the club offers a welcoming space for creative expression.
“There is discipline and dedication in learning and performing a piece,” Montelongo said. “There’s something satisfying in sharing that – and sharing beautiful art that moves people is priceless.”
