Mason High junior starts United Sound chapter, district highlights inclusive music program

Henry Horning, a junior at Mason High School, told the Mason City Schools Board of Education that he organized a United Sound chapter at the school to give students with diverse abilities a chance to play music with peer mentors.

At the board’s monthly meeting, Horning said rehearsals for the program began in late September and culminated in a Dec. 10 concert. He described a roughly 3-to-1 ratio of mentors to new musicians and said mentor students adapt parts to match what new musicians can play. "It's mostly individual, peer-led groups with their mentors," Horning said.

Superintendent Dr. Cooper and board members praised the initiative as a student-driven example of inclusive programming. Tracy Carson, who introduced the district’s wayfinding video that showcased the program, said the event brought "gleeful, joyful" cross-generational connection between third- and fourth-graders and senior neighbors. Stephanie Jones, orchestra director, noted the program includes written curriculum and national support from United Sound, which helped Horning adapt the model locally.

Students who participated introduced themselves to the board during the meeting. Board members and staff asked about rehearsal frequency, which Horning said was typically weekly during "connect" sessions with occasional after-school rehearsals, and about next steps. Horning said the mentors write parts for the new musicians and that next semester the group plans two concerts—one with orchestra and one with band—to increase inclusion across ensembles.

Board members framed the program as an example of "legacy work" and student initiative. The board also committed support for the program’s continuation, offering help with logistics and resources as needed. The district’s presentation materials listed community partners that supported a related senior breakfast event, including the Kiwanis Club of Mason and local businesses.

The board did not take any separate formal action on United Sound during the meeting; members instead used the moment to recognize student leadership and discuss support options, such as scheduling and rehearsal space. The district said it will continue to monitor the program’s growth and integrate mentoring practices into music and activities programming.

The most recent procedural step was the public recognition at this regular meeting; the board did not announce additional formal measures or funding commitments at this session.