JULIAN JUSSILA is the Cushing Middle School band director. She graduated from Cushing High School and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Instrumental Music Education from the University of Oklahoma. While at OU, she studied with Jonathan Nichol and Dr. Michael Hancock. She has been a band director since 2018, previously teaching in the Kingfisher Public Schools and Drumright Public Schools. Under her direction, the CMS Bands are continuing their "tradition of excellence" by earning Superior Ratings and the OSSAA Outstanding Achievement Award.
DANNY WHITE has been the Director of Bands in Cushing since 1991, where his duties include the High School Symphonic Band, Marching Band, and Jazz Band, and assistant in the middle school bands. The Cushing High School Bands have won numerous Superior ratings in concert and marching performance, including Division Championships, Outstanding Achievements, and Sweepstakes Awards from the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association (OSSAA), Heritage Festivals, MusicFest Orlando, and OrlandoFest, and performed by special invitation at world-famous Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Mr. White is the coordinator for the OSSAA District Band Contest and the Cimarron Valley Honor Band Clinics hosted at Cushing’s Dora Hobbs Performing Arts Center. Mr. White began his music career in the orchestras and bands of the Lawton Public Schools, graduated from Duncan High School, and received his degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1991. He was named the outstanding student in the OU School of Music for four years and graduated highest in class for the OU College of Fine Arts. While at OU, he studied under great musicians and directors: Gene Thrailkill, Dr. William Wakefield, and Dr. Roland Barrett.
TAYLOR LANGSTON is the Assistant Band Director and Brass Specialist for Cushing Public Schools. A former member of the Grove music program, where she was selected 1st chair All-OkMEA Wind Ensemble and 4th Chair All-OkMEA Jazz Band. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education in 2022. While at OU, Ms. Langston performed with several ensembles including the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Trombone Choir, and Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band. Ms. Langston was also a staff member of the New Horizons Band of Norman, part of a nation-wide network of community performing groups.
ROBIN BUCKLES has been the Administrative Assistant for the Cushing Bands since 2009. Her responsibilities include, but are not limited to, Financial records and Bookkeeping, Fundraising Coordinator, Uniform Management, and Music Librarian. Mrs. Buckles also serves as the Secretary/Treasurer for the Cushing Band Boosters
RYAN SMITH is the Assistant Band Director and Percussion Specialist for Cushing Public Schools. A former member of the Norman music program, attending Norman North High School. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education in 2022. While at OU, Mr. Smith performed with several ensembles including the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Percussion Orchestra, and Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band. Mr. Smith was also a staff member of the New Horizons Band of Norman, part of a nation-wide network of community performing groups.
RACHEL MADEWELL is the new Color Guard coach for the CHS Marching Band. She recently graduated from Mustang High School where she was a performer in the Mustang Varsity Color Guard and a coach for the Junior-Varsity group. She was also a performing member of the Mustang HS Marching Band during their BOA Finalist season.