Performing Arts

The performing arts at Manitou Springs High School provides students with a multitude of creative outlets and performance opportunities. Each year, students participate in school concerts, plays, musicals, recitals, and honor groups around the state of Colorado.

David Williams – High School Orchestra, Advanced Orchestra
 
Abby Steen - Mixed Choir, Chamber Choir
After graduating from Manitou Springs High School in 2008, Abby attended The University of Denver for Vocal Performance. After graduating from DU with a bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance in 2012, Abby moved back to Colorado Springs where she helped direct several middle and high school performances for Manitou Springs School District. Among these shows Abby collaborated with Wendy Harms and Nicole Berry on West Side Story and The Music Man Spring musicals. In addition to directing shows, Abby performed in several bands across Colorado Springs and loves singing jazz and big band music. After two years of studying at CSU Pueblo for her teaching license, Abby is excited to join the Manitou Springs Mustangs in the Fall of 2020 as the middle and high school choir teacher!


David Williams - Band and Orchestra
David Williams grew up as an Air Force child, mostly in Nebraska. He graduated from Hastings College with a Bachelor of Music in Education and Saxophone Performance. David's first job was in Sterling, Colorado, where he taught beginning and middle school band and assisted with the high school band. In 2004 he moved to Colorado Springs and accepted a job as the band director at Doherty High School, which he held for 15 years. During that time he traveled with students, performing in Disneyland, Disney World, Hawaii, and Germany. David received his Masters Degree from the American Band College of Sam Houston State University in 2010. He left Doherty in 2019, took a break from teaching for 2 years, and will be returning to the classroom. David will be teaching band and orchestra at Manitou Springs High School.

David lives in Colorado Springs with his wife, Leslie, and their 2 boys, Dillon and Lucas. His hobbies include training for triathlons, getting outdoors, and watching the Detroit Lions.


Wendy Harms – Theater Arts, Technical Theater, Theater 105PPCC, Independent Study Technical Theater
Wendy Harms has been a theater practitioner ever since she wrote a play based on Peanuts cartoons and strong-armed her fellow 6th graders into performing. She was the director, of course. Now set on her life path, Wendy had joyous experiences in high school theater and continued on to California University at Long Beach for her BA in Children’s Theater. Next, she headed for the mid-west and the University of Kansas, where she received her MA, also in Children’s Theater. The world awaited, and Wendy became a professional costume designer, Equity stage manager, actress, marketing director and teacher of children from 3 – 73. Some 20 years ago, Wendy was invited to direct for MSSD 14, and soon after became the Artistic Director for MSAA. Now she spends her days creating programs with amazing cohorts for even more amazing students.