Mustang Outreach Program

Supplementing cultural arts programs in local schools, the Mustang Outreach Program works tirelessly to increase Outer Banks students’ exposure and access to music. In 2012, Mike Dianna, founder of Bearded Face Productions, teamed up with acclaimed local blues musician Ruth Wyand to launch the Mustang Outreach Program. The program welcomes all 3^rd through 12^th grade students from Currituck and Dare counties, giving them a way to learn how to play rock-and-roll music using guitars, basses, keyboards, drums or vocals. With the help of area musicians, students receive instruction with lessons for instrument performance, theory, music engineering and more. Throughout the year, students get numerous opportunities to showcase their skills by performing in front of audiences at events, such as Bearded Face Productions’ Mustang Music Festivals, the Outer Banks Food Truck Showdown and Kelly’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. New in 2019 is the opening of the organization’s ADA-compliant music studio in Kill Devil Hills, where they’re able to provide students lessons and a practice space.