OCCC grads musically gifted
- Former OCCC students have made their mark on the local music scene.
- The most prominent former OCCC student in the music industry is Nixons' former guitarist Jesse Davis.
Since OCCC’s conception in 1972, musicians and stars alike have walked its halls and attended classes. Just as Brandon Pruitt has found his niche in the music world, so have others.
In December 2006, local rock act Winter Circle made it to the final round of the GarageBand Faceoff. The band was one of five finalists chosen among 34,000 contestants nationwide. OCCC student Andy Hale, the band’s guitarist, told the Pioneer the band reflects a potpourri of musical tastes. Check out the band at www.wintercircle.com.
While attending OCCC in the late ’90s, Jeremy Castle was signed to Destiny Records. The country music artist told the Pioneer he relied on his family and friends for support and encouragement in the Dec. 7, 1998, issue. Visit his website at www.angelfire.com/ok2/jeremycastle.
Local musician Shawna Klema graduated from OCCC in 1997. She plays a mix of originals and fan-favorite covers like Stevie Nicks’ “Landslide.” Visit Klema’s MySpace at www.myspace.com/shawnalee.
Oklahoma City punk-ska sextuplet Third Grade Scuffle came onto the local music scene in 2002. Richard Hall, the band’s bassist, attended OCCC from 2003 to 2006 and is now attending the University of Oklahoma. The band has done several regional tours and has released three albums.
Visit the band’s MySpace at www.myspace.com/thirdgradescuffle.
Before coming to teach guitar at OCCC in 2003, Terry Evans traveled the world strumming. Evans studied guitar in France and received his degree in classical guitar performance from the University of Denver.
Former Nixons’ guitarist Jesse Davis also attended OCCC. Before the Nixons disbanded in 2000, they had several radio hits such as “Sister” in 1995, and played dates with Soul Asylum as well as opening for KISS at Madison Square Garden. Davis now plays with local band Four Points West and can be found on MySpace at www.myspace.com/4pointswest.
Do you know of some local OCCC talent? If so, contact Pioneer Editor Valerie Jobe at editor@occc.edu.
The Pioneer Online is in the process of adding an OCCC musician page and doesn’t want to leave anyone out.
