Oklahoma Youth Orchestras 2020 - 2021 Season Program

IN THE SPOTLIGHT...

ON THE BIG SCREEN 43RD SEASON 2020 – 2021

Oklahoma Youth Orchestras serves over 400 Oklahoma students and their families with 11 ensembles and programs: Oklahoma Youth Orchestra (OYO) Oklahoma Youth Philharmonic (OYP) Oklahoma Youth Winds (OYW) Oklahoma Youth Guitars (OYG) Percussion Chamber Orchestra Sinfonia Philharmonia Festival Strings Rockin’ Strings Summer Symphony Strings Camp

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Oklahoma Youth Orchestras is supported by:

Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation Everett Family Affiliated Fund

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OUR STORY Founded in 1977, Oklahoma Youth Orchestras (OKYO) provides advanced orchestral education and performance opportunities for talented young musicians.

It strengthens already existing school instrumental music programs, and supplements instrumental music programs that do not include orchestra. It provides the opportunity for young musicians from many different schools to work together to challenge their performance skills under the direction of respected conductors and music educators.

Today, that focus has grown and helped to produce many talented musicians, conductors, performers, instructors and teachers worldwide.

Oklahoma Youth Orchestras is a non-profit organization that receives its financial support from a combination of sources, including participation fees, concert admission, grants, special projects, and donations.

Learn more about OKYO, its ensembles, or how you can become involved at okyomusic.org

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OUR MISSON Through quality instrumental music education programs for students and accessible cultural offerings for the community, Oklahoma Youth Orchestras provides opportunities for artistic excellence to central and western Oklahoma.

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OUR BOARD & ADVISORY COUNCIL

BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR

Alexis Carter-Black SECRETARY

Kris Markes

TREASURER

Nathan Young

PAST CHAIR & LIAISON TO ADVISORY COUNCIL

Paul Hagemeier

OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY REPRESENTATIVES

Dean Mark Edward Parker Dr. Mark G. Belcik

Jose Batty Cathy Reaves

MEMBERS AT LARGE

Kim Fletcher Joe Rodano

Peggy Kahre Joseph Thai

ADVISORY COUNCIL Dr. Steven Agee

Peter Markes

Dr. John Clinton Jerry Messick

Robyn Hilger Kim Lowe Alexander Mickelthwate

Learn more about our Advisory Council Members

If you are interested in joining this talented group of OKYO advocates, please contact Executive Director Melody Garza Mikkelsen at mgarza@oyomusic.org 6

2020-2021

As we enter our 2020-21 season, we realize that opportunities for inspiration, collaboration, growth and community are more vital than ever.

Although performance plans continue to evolve, our commitment to the transformative power of the arts and education is unwavering.

We strive to model to our students the value of resiliency and responsible, creative problem-solving.

For updates, on this year's performances visit www.okcu/edu/music ww.okcu.edu/theatre 7

ARTISTIC STAFF MEMBERS

Jeffrey Grogan

Dr. Charlene Dell

Dr. Matthew Mailman

Artistic Director, Oklahoma Youth Orchestras

Conductor, Oklahoma Youth Philharmonic

Conductor, Oklahoma Youth Winds

Sarah Neely

Matthew Denman

Dr. Keith Hendricks

Associate Conductor, Oklahoma Youth Winds

Conductor, Oklahoma Youth Guitars

Conductor, Percussion

Dawn Thrailkill

Peter Markes

Gena Alexander

Conductor, Chamber Orchestra

Interim Conductor, Chamber Orchestra

Conductor, Sinfonia

& Conductor, Oklahoma Youth Orchestra

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THE ARTISTIC & ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Kristin Geist

Mark Osborn

Courtney Monk

Conductor, Philharmonia

Conductor, Festival Strings Norman

Conductor, Festival Strings Edmond

& Conductor, Festival Strings OKC

Zane Berglan

& Conductor, Rockin’ Strings

Alex McDaniel Percussion Co-Cordinator

Percussion Co-Cordinator

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF MEMBERS

Melody Garza Mikkelsen

Wren Pfahl

Francisco & Elizabeth Venegas

Executive Director

Communications Director

Program Managers

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FROM

OUR LEADERSHIP

Dear Friends and Family, Welcome to the finale program from an exceptional season! We are so proud of our students, families, staff, and supporters for persevering through the challenges of this past year, and very pleased to now be able to celebrate music together in a fun new way. Congratulations to each student who has worked hard and developed new skills, and especially to our 42 graduating 2021 Seniors — we can’t wait to see where life takes you on your next adventures.

We are also thrilled to share the news that we have a $15,000 Play It Forward™ Matching Challenge, thanks to the Ad Astra Foundation, Dr. Liu, and Members of the OKYO Board and Advisors! From now through June 2021, donations made to OKYO will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $15,000. If you are able, please consider making a gift and sharing this exciting news with your friends and family: every dollar given will turn into two dollars’ worth of music education and inspiration for Oklahoma students next season.

Thank you for joining us at the Drive-In tonight to celebrate our students’ accomplishments this past year, as we all look forward to next season and much more music making!

All Our Best,

Melody Garza Mikkelsen Executive Director

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Jeff Grogan Artistic Director

Alexis Carter-Black Board Chair

Help us meet the match by June 30, 2021! Every gift made will be matched, up to $15,000, for twice the music education and opportunities next season!

Click HERE to learn more and make your gift, and please tell your friends about this opportunity!

We are honored to have been selected as the Arts and Humanities winner, sponsored by the Chickasaw Nation, at the 2021 Oklahoma Nonprofit Excellence awards!

Our friends at the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits work tirelessly to spread good in Oklahoma, and we are truly grateful for their support.

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OKYO On The Big Screen Monday, May 3, 2021 • 8:30pm Winchester Drive-In

Legend of the Dark Mountain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Soon Hee Newbold Festival Strings Lady of the Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jeremy Wooldtenhulme Philharmonia Nintendo Medley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arr. Courtney Monk Rockin’ Strings

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2020 - 2021 SEASON FINALE PROGRAM

She Will hang the Night with Stars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William Hofeldt Sinfonia “Amadeus” From Symphony No. 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . W. A. Mozart

Arr. Jamin Hoffman Chamber Orchestra

Toy for Two Lutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Robinson Oklahoma Youth Guitars students Blake Bricker and Rose Sailor Mercury Rising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nathan Daughtrey Percussion Ensemble String Symphony No.7 in D minor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Felix Mendelssohn Mvt. 1 Allegro Prayer for Peace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Williams Oklahoma Youth Philharmonic Prelude, Siciliano & Rondo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Malcom Arnold Arr. John P. Paynter Critical Mass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Todd Stalter Oklahoma Youth Winds “The Firebird” Suite, (1919) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Igor Stravinsky Infernal Dance Berceuse Finale Oklahoma Youth Orchestra

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IGOR STRAVINSKY The Firebird (L’Oiseau de feu) – Suite (1919)

Born on June 17, 1882 Lomonosov, Saint Petersburg, Russia Died on April 6, 1971 JW Marriott Essex House in Central Park South Midtown Manhattan, New York City, USA

The Firebird Suite is a ballet and orchestral concert work.

It was the first international success of the composer’s career.

In 1909, when Stravinsky was 27, he was commissioned by Sergei Diaghilev to write a ballet based on the Russian legend, the Firebird. The work was completed in 1910 and premiered at the Paris Opera on June 25, 1910.

The Firebird Suite (1919) is approximately 21 minutes in length.

It was only natural that Igor Stravinsky became a world-famous composer. From his birth, he was surrounded by music: his father was a principal opera singer with the Marlinsky Theater in St. Petersburg, and his mother—a member of a prominent noble Russian family—was a talented amateur singer and pianist. Among the friends of his father were the group of Russian composers known as the moguchaya kuchka (mighty handful), including Rimsky-Korsakov, Borodin, and Musorgsky—composers who sought to create a truly Russian musical style. Before Stravinsky had turned 30, he had also attracted the attention of ballet impresario Sergei Diaghilev, whose Ballets Russes was about to take Paris by storm.

By 1908, Diaghilev had decided to create a ballet based on Russian folk tales, with a commissioned original musical score. Several established composers declined the commission, causing the impresario to turn to the untried but promising Stravisnky.

The Firebird, danced to a 50-minute ballet score, was first performed by the Ballets Russes on 25 June 1910 in the Palais Garniér (which, incidentally, was the opera house which inspired Gaston Leroux’s novel The Phantom of the Opera). It was an immediate and spectacular success. Composer Maurice Ravel, who was present at the premiere, stated that “the Parisian audience wanted a taste of the avant-garde, and this dazzling music by the daring young Russian fit the bill.” Two further commissions would come Stravinsky’s way from Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes: Petrushka (1911) and The Rite of Spring (1913).

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PROGRAM NOTES

JAN MCDANIEL

Professor of Vocal Coaching Bass School of Music Oklahoma City University

The composer extracted three shorter suites from the ballet, the second of which appeared in 1919, reorchestrated by Stravinsky for the newly-formed Orchestre de la Suisse Romande in Geneva, Switzerland. (The final three movements of the 1919 suite will be performed in the present concert.) And with this work, in its various forms, the composer also began to make his name as a conductor. Looking back over his life in 1965, Stravinsky referred to The Firebird as a mainstay of his conducting career: “I made my conducting debut with it (the complete ballet) in 1915 at a Red Cross benefit in Paris, and since then I have conducted it nearly a thousand times.”

The story told in The Firebird is an amalgamation of several Russian folk tales. Here is a brief synopsis of the ballet, along with a description of the three movements played in this performance: While hunting in a forest, Prince Ivan discovers an enchanted garden and— within it—a magical Firebird. The bird wins her freedom from the prince by giving him one of her magic feathers, which will protect him.

Led by the Firebird, Prince Ivan finds arrives at the castle of the evil King Kaschei, who has imprisoned thirteen princesses from other kingdoms and— with his magic powers—turned into stone the knights who have attempted to rescue the princesses. Prince Ivan vows to save those whom Kaschei has captured, using the protection of the Firebird’s magic feather.

Ivan begins by provoking the evil king, and then the Firebird herself appears, enchanting Kaschei and his minions—causing them to dance themselves into a frenzy, until they collapse (Infernal Dance). The primary melody is borrowed from Rimsky-Korsakov’s opera Mlada, transformed by Stravinsky’s rhythmic invention, including musical lightning bolts that startled the original Parisian audience.

Then they are lulled to an eternal sleep with the haunting bassoon melody of the Berceuse (Lullaby). Kaschei’s spell is broken, the princesses are freed, and those turned to stone are restored to their normal form.

All rejoice in the sizzling, triumphant Finale, which begins with a solo horn melody based on a folk song arrangement Rimsky-Korsakov had published.

The Firebird’s motif, harmonized with a series of chromatic chords, brings the ballet to a magical conclusion.

In the 121 years since its composition, The Firebird has continued to be admired both by the orchestras that play it and the audiences that hear it.

Perhaps composer Sergei Rachmaninoff said it best: “What a work of genius this is! This is true Russia!”

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YEARS

SINCE OKYO’s FOUNDING IN 1977

STUDENTS SERV

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GROUP IN 1977 SERVING 43 STUDENTS FROM THE OKLAHOMA CITY METRO AREA

INTERNATIONAL TOURS SINCE 1999 BROADENING THE MINDS OF 25O STUDENT MUSICIANS ENSEMBLES IN 2018, SERVING 400+ STUDENTS BETWEEN THE AGES OF 8-18 IN CENTRAL & WESTERN OK PUBLIC CONCERTS BRINGING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE YOUTH EXCELLING IN MUSIC & PERSONAL SKILLS

EXCELLENCE IN MUSIC EDUCATION

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PLAY IT FORWARD CAMPAIGN

BUILDING FUTURE CIV & ARTS LEADERS

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ARTISTIC STAFF MEMBERS LOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOL & UNIVERSITY MUSIC EDUCATORS PROVIDING QUALITY MUSIC EDUCATION

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Weekly & Pre-Event Rehearsals Concerts with Composers • Annual Concerto Competitions • Annual Conducting Competitions • Side - by - Side Rehearsals & Concert with the OKC Philharmonic • Honor Quartets • With guest conductors and composers such as Chickasaw Composer Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate, American Composer Dana Wilson, and American Composer Brian Balmages in workshops, EACH SEASON, rehearsals, live concerts and performances.

• With special guests the likes of Jazz STUDENTS Trumpeter Doc Severinsen, Maestro Joel WORK WITH Levine, Vocalist & OKYO Alum Milena ACCLAIMED Govich, Maestro Gerard Schwarz, Cellist MUSICIANS, Jullian Schwarz, Cellist & OKYO Alum COMPOSERS, Joshua Roman, and OKC Phil Music CONDUCTORS Director Alexander Mickelthwate & PERFORMERS in live concerts.

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WORKING TO BROADEN STUDENTS’ MUSICAL EXPOSURE

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with the Wanda L. Bass School of Music, OKC Philharmonic, OKC Symphonic Band, OK Youth Jazz Ensemble, and the Armstrong Auditorium. Building strong alliances with our supporting agencies and other philanthropic entities to ensure the continuing services of this great program to musically-inclined students and their families.

LE ENRICHMENT SKILLS 5-DAY COMMUTER CAMP FOR 5TH-8TH GRADERS ENRICHING MUSICAL MINDS & PROVIDING ADDITIONAL ARTS & CULTURAL EXPERIENCES •

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Learning the importance of “playing forward” for the benefit others; keeping music, music study, and the arts an integral part of life.

Participating in OKYO Student Leadership Council builds leadership and service skills.

Performing free concerts at assisted living centers, veterans centers, the YWCA, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, and alongside visually-impaired musicians, showing that music is an art for everyone.

Pairing senior students with younger students to share a passion for excellence in music and provide skill reinforcement.

Concerts are open to the public, bringing a culturally and economically diverse audience.

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$ 7,965 $10,800 $11,269 $12,345 $12,702

BEYOND GRADUATION

2.5MM

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IN TOTAL EARNED SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 26 OF OKYO’S 2018 GRADUATING SENIORS

FOR THE NEXT 4 YEARS OF THEIR STUDIES!

50%

OF OKYO’S GRADUATES SINCE 2014

WENT ON TO STUDY MUSIC AT A CONSERVATORY OR UNIVERSITY IN PERFORMANCE, EDUCATION, THERAPY & MINISTRY FIELDS

Other popular areas of study among our graduates are Science, Medicine, Engineering, Computer Science and Business.

SOPHIA DYKSTRA

Class of 2021 • Oklahoma Youth Orchestras 2012-2021

We are so proud of your academic, artistic and athletic achievements. More importantly, we celebrate your character, kindness and happy spirit. Special years are ahead for you at Washington University in St. Louis!

Love you always, Mom & Dad James, You’ve truly made lemonade out of this lemon of a senior year. We’ve missed seeing your live performances, but have loved seeing the hard work you’ve continued to pour into your music.

We look forward to seeing what you do with your gap year and where your auditions take you next year! As always, we want you to go into the world and do well, but more importantly, we want you to go into the world and do good - and we know that you will.

All our love to you, SBJ. We are all so, SO proud of you.

Mom, Dad, Ariel, & Ava

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FAMILY ADS

Erik, It's been amazing to watch you grow and listening to your music develop. This year has been challenging and you have met it with courage, optimism and maturity.

You are becoming an amazing young man.

We are proud of you.

Love, M&D

Congratulations, Evan!

We are so proud of your accomplishments.

We love you.

Dad, Mom, and Kate

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Oklahoma Youth Orchestra (OYO) The flagship orchestra of the Oklahoma Youth Orchestras organization, OYO is comprised of the most advanced high school musicians who perform standard repertoire, as well as music from contemporary composers.

OYO routinely performs with professional guest soloists, with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, as well as premiers new works.

“The students of OYO learn to really give it their all in rehearsal. They bring their best preparation and focus so we can dig deep together and make the magic happen. It is a privilege to work with these incredible young musicians and I am so proud of them.”

Jeffrey Grogan Artistic Director, Oklahoma Youth Orchestras & Conductor, Oklahoma Youth Orchestra

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AUDITIONED ENSEMBLES

VIOLIN Raegan Alexander Madeline Bradley Alaina Brady Ethan Braun Grace Cavett* Aaron Chang Sophia Dykstra Natalie Emrich Gerson Estrada Eric Geng Sydney McLeary Surya Miranda* Alexander Park Jesse Scott-Griffith Catherine Thai* Miranda Thai Brayden Tran Jaylin Vinson* Sophia Weaver Bryan Yang Sylvan Zhang* VIOLA Austin Braun Jordan Fletcher Quin Walton

CELLO Conner Braun Benjamin Chippeaux Sophia Darvin Sophie Deng Christina Ge Jenna Jiang Mason Leidner Tucker McSpadden Susan Morren Sam Sahiar Julia Ungvari Olivia Wang BASS Gesiye Okoya Kalizibe Okoya Xavier Vongphakdy HARP Elliott Kmetz PIANO Hannah Dudleson FLUTE/PICCOLO Stephanie Cromer Wren Pfahl**

*Student is a Student Leadership Council Member **OCU Volunteer Musician.

Thank you!!

OBOE Ty Matthews** Mark Alvarez** CLARINET Shelby Elliott Emma Li Alex Vo BASSOON Reagan Tollefson Carlos Pacheco** FRENCH HORN Cristalynne Burns* Dylan Shockey London Stovall Connor Zamborsky TRUMPET Gabe Carter Kaylin Gates James McAffrey* TROMBONE Hope Bellows Ethan Do Norah Hager TUBA Koty Cox

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Oklahoma Youth Philharmonic (OYP) Oklahoma Youth Philharmonic (OYP), is a full orchestra ensemble consisting of mostly high school students in string, wind, brass, and percussion sections. Repertoire includes many standard masterworks, expertly arranged educational compositions, as well as many original compositions, contemporary works, and popular music straight from the movies.

In 2018 OYP performed as an Honor Ensemble at the Oklahoma Music Educators Association annual in-service. OYP has also participated in an exchange program with the Youth Symphonies of Kansas City.

Every other spring, students in OYP get to work with a living composer over the course of several rehearsals and perform a world premiere, as a part of our Composer-in-Residence partnership program with Oklahoma City University and Dr. Edward Knight.

“OYP members have learned to become independent musicians, making our rehearsal time much more productive. Their ability to listen and adjust their playing to match their colleagues has helped OYP improve each week.”

Dr. Charlene Dell Conductor, Oklahoma Youth Philharmonic

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AUDITIONED ENSEMBLES VIOLIN Brayden Albright Greyson Alexander Anne-Michelle Jean-Baptiste Eddy Kang McCauley McGee Laura Pollack Charis Steward Sophia Stoops Patrick Thai Maxwell Xie Justin Yang VIOLA Abby Fakhoury* Bethany Fielding Annabelle Haller

CELLO Jonah Buyten Logan Bycko Jonah Fletcher Derah-Lynn Horton Michelle Huang Maya Joseph Abigail Knudsen Elizabeth Rathgeb Brown

BASS Kien Fritzen Drew Moguin Amelia Oei Jacob Robinson Henry Stoops

Due to health and safety concerns, OYP woodwind and brass students rehearsed with OYW this season. *Student is a Student Leadership Council Member

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Oklahoma Youth Winds (OYW) Founded in 2004, Oklahoma Youth Winds (OYW) is made up of talented high school wind and percussion students. This challenging honor wind ensemble provides experience in musical preparation and performance that students can take to their own high school band programs and exposes students to literature that they may not play in their school programs. OYW has been invited to perform as an Honor Ensemble at the Oklahoma Music Educators Association annual in-service three times since 2013.

“How do we spell OYW? O is for “OPPORTUNITY” where students have a great setting to interact musically with other students from all over the OKC Metro and to learn about music from experts in the field.

Dr. Matthew Mailman Conductor, Oklahoma Youth Winds

Y is for “WHY SHOULD YOU JOIN?” Our setting is familiar but different than what most students experience in their school music programs. We cover different repertoire and provide musical training from some of the finest music teachers in the state.

W is for “WOULD YOU FIT IN?” The answer is YES! Not only are all of our students friendly, but also everyone joins at their own musical skill levels and everyone is able to grow and have fun. Our diversity of personnel is one of the things that sets us apart!”

Sarah Neely Associate Conductor, Oklahoma Youth Winds

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AUDITIONED ENSEMBLES FLUTE/PICCOLO Abbey Carmichael Katie Glathar Jackson Gordon Grace Gregory Anven Hawpe Taylor Hayden McKinley Hunter Molly Kelly Noel Mercer Josie Peterson Michelle Shay Chesnie Stuart Hailey Tucker OBOE Ryan Black Elisabeth Snyder CLARINET Olivia Camp Rachel England Angelina Mao Kelsey Waters Chloe Woodruff

BASSOON Jalen Anderson Jennie Higdon Lainee De’Lise Aubrey Ketch

TROMBONE Caleb Gammill Jack Malm** Emma Neasby** Landon Thomas

ALTO SAXOPHONE Christen Daniel Sofia Shepelwich

TUBA Matthew Bell Jackson Keeter Everett Shinn Jacob Waymon**

FRENCH HORN Bradley Oates Kimberly Torres TRUMPET Adam Arbetello Evan Colbert Garrett Ferrell Karl Huber** William McGovern-Fagg Avery McIntyre*

*Student is a Student Leadership Council Member **OCU Volunteer Musician.

Thank you!!

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Oklahoma Youth Guitars (OYG) Oklahoma Youth Guitars (OYG), is a newly formed ensemble opportunity for talented pre-college guitar students who perform standard ensemble repertoire, as well as music from contemporary composers. OYG performs throughout the season at OKYO concerts and community events.

Matthew Denman Conductor, Oklahoma Youth Guitars

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AUDITIONED ENSEMBLES

Our programs cater to a wide range of age and skill levels.

Learn how you can become a part!

GUITARISTS Kai Cheng Blake Bricker Rose Sailer Deacon Scott

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Percussion Percussionists in OKYO generally play in up to three full ensembles: OYO, OYP, and OYW; as well as independently as the OKYO Percussion Ensemble.

Percussion Co-coordinators Alex McDaniel and Zane Berglan, both OKYO Alumni, coordinate personnel and instrumentation. The Percussion Ensemble is led artistically by Dr. Keith Hendricks.

“Percussion ensemble gives students the opportunity to work on techniques and repertoire that focuses on building well rounded musicians. We strive to develop musicality through chamber music and explore the skills needed to be a modern percussionist.”

Dr. Keith Hendricks Conductor, Percussion

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AUDITIONED ENSEMBLES

PERCUSSIONISTS Evan Boothe Kate Boothe Samual Francone Cheldon Gatz

Zane Berglan Percussion Co-Cordinator

Noah Lee Armen Propes Gabriela Schuetze Jerusalem Stovall

Alex McDaniel Percussion Co-Cordinator

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AUDITIONED ENSEMBLES

Chamber Orchestra Chamber Orchestra is an auditioned string ensemble that rehearses and performs literature utilizing position work, advanced rhythms, keys, bowing techniques, articulations, and expression. Student musicians will demonstrate knowledge and performance of these skills in addition to vibrato, upper position work, and musicality. Individual practice and attendance at rehearsals and concerts is important to the development and success of both the student and the ensemble.

Every other spring, students in Chamber Orchestra get to work with a living composer over the course of several rehearsals and perform a world premiere, as a part of our Composer-in-Residence partnership program with Oklahoma City University and Dr. Edward Knight.

Dawn Thrailkill Conductor, Chamber Orchestra

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“I am so proud of our Chamber Orchestra students for their versatility and adaptability through the many twists and turns of this season. They continue to grow in musical and emotional maturity that belies their age, and I look forward to the impact they will have on our musical community and beyond.”

Peter Markes Interim Conductor, Chamber Orchestra & Artisitc Director, Summer Symphony Strings Camp

AUDITIONED ENSEMBLES

VIOLIN Elise Buyten Silas Emrich Cassidy Ferguson Stephen Gunn Margot Knudtson Lauryn Lackey Virginia Lynch Calee Lyon Jireh McLaurin Lauren Thrasher Esha Venkataraman* Zoey Yip

VIOLA Anna Hetchler Charles Metcalf CELLO Brownie Brimage Aubrey Leidner Allison Valentine Titia Watson BASS Antonia Hayman

*Student is a Student Leadership Council Member

Thank you Ms. Dawn Thrailkill for 25 wonderful years!

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Sinfonia Sinfonia is a group comprised of developing string players. Musicians focus on learning new literature, tone development, expanding bow techniques, and ensemble playing. On occasion, pieces will utilize multiple key changes and shifting throughout sections. Musicians are asked to spend time working on music outside of rehearsal and to come prepared to learn new techniques and music each week.

“Students in Sinfonia learn proper rehearsal etiquette and how to make music as an ensemble. Students’ skills are challenged with increasingly difficult repertoire and attention to phrasing, bowings, dynamics and articulations.”

Gena Alexander Conductor, Sinfonia

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AUDITIONED ENSEMBLES

VIOLIN Bella Black Madeline Braun Charlie Brockus Sophia Juarez-McDonald Peyton Seybolt Ava Tu Kelvin Xie VIOLA Jordan Possehl

CELLO Aubrey Duggan Timothy Flatt Grace Palmer Michelle Raley Riley Robinson BASS Mac Compton

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Philharmonia Philharmonia launched in 2017 for OKYO’s 40th Anniversary Season, created to provide developing string players a quality ensemble experience and the chance to learn new skills. Philharmonia student musicians focus on tone development, expanding bow techniques, ensemble playing, and learning new literature in a fun environment.

“Students in Philharmonia refine their musicianship by gaining a better understanding of balance and blending in an ensemble by exploring various types of music.”

Kristin Geist Conductor, Philharmonia & Conductor, Festival Strings OKC

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AUDITIONED ENSEMBLES

VIOLIN Sky Burton Mariel Carvallo Azrael Casper Dillan Cox Michael Kouemo Evan McLeary Greyson Morehead Ethan Narramore

CELLO Hannah Ingels Jaden Lane Armaan Madahar Krish Patel Mary Richey Sophia Shelton Derek Stege

VIOLA Alyssa Garbrecht

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Festial Strings Perfect for late elementary and middle school string players with one to two years of ensemble experience who live in the Oklahoma City metro.

Festival Strings is a string orchestra designed to challenge and develop students with new music and new skills. No audition required!

Mark Osborn Conductor, Festival Strings Norman

“We have a unique blend of middle school students from across the Norman area, all in one ensemble.

Our focus is playing sheet music while preparing for multiple concerts each season. The music is always fun but challenges the younger students to a higher level of preparation in their musical studies.”

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Kristin Geist Conductor, Philharmonia

Courtney Monk Conductor, Festival Strings Edmond

& Conductor, Festival Strings OKC

& Conductor, Rockin’ Strings

STRING GROUPS

VIOLIN Lauren Boydstun Avery Fletcher Naomi Jacques Erik Mays Alexandria Moncriffe Amelia Muñoz Ava Reagan Katelyn Rivas Madelyn Smith Victoria Solis-Lewis Charlie Thompson Aaron Wang

VIOLA Junwon Cho Cello Capri Canaan Cooper Grave William Kempf BASS Andrew Geist Brody Smith

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Rockin’ Strings Created in 2014 by Mrs. Karina Fisher as a pop and rock string orchestra, Rockin’ Strings explores everything from Katy Perry to Led Zeppelin and famous movie music to today’s hits! Students will explore proper technique and challenge their musicianship while preparing for their fun and unique concerts. Last year, students enjoyed performing for OKC Philharmonic’s “Wiggle Out Loud Festival”, Oklahoma City’s “Opening Night” Concert, The Festival of the Arts, and The OKC Blue Halftime Show! This group rehearses once a week on Thursday evenings and does not require an audition.

“Students in Rockin’ Strings learn and perform music from film, television, video games and pop culture. We explore alternative techniques and incorporate electric instruments while striving to expand our musical knowledge and skills.”

Courtney Monk Conductor, Festival Strings Edmond & Conductor, Rockin’ Strings

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STRING GROUPS

VIOLA Noah Selby Xander Stone Sydnee Wilson BASS Aiden Williams DRUMS Jackson Young

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Summer Symphony Strings Camp The Summer Symphony Strings Camp is an annual commuter half-day camp, no audition required!

This camp will be open to students in grades 5 through 8 (in the 2020-2021 school year) who have been playing for at least one year and can read music.

Mark your calendars for an awesome week of camp!

Monday, June 14th to Friday, June 18th Peter Markes Interim Conductor, Chamber Orchestra & Artisitc Director, Summer Symphony Strings Camp

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STAY IN TUNE THIS SUMMER! Students participate in orchestra rehearsals and sectionals, working with professional staff members who supervise all activities. The week concludes on Friday with a Camp Closing Ceremonies concert for campers’ families.

Check out the example schedule and CLICK HERE to Pre-Register!

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ALUMNI UPDATES Share Your Story With Us Did you, or someone you care about, play in any of OKYO’s ensembles at any point over the last 43 years?

If so, we want to hear from you!

Send your story to WPFAHL@oyomusic.org

You could be featured in our Quarter Note e-newsletter and included in our virtual program!

“The opportunity to work with other young musicians in the Oklahoma Youth Orchestra on the great orchestral repertoire was an important part of my learning experience. The teamwork, individual preparedness, and spirit of willingness required to make music on this scale are values that every teenager should cherish, and these have carried me through my musical development.”

– JOSHUA ROMAN, CELLIST

Artistic Director, Town Music at Town Hall Seattle; Senior TED Fellow Photo by Gisela Giardino (https://www.flickr.com/photos/gi/5503454631)

“Being a part of the OYO challenged me as a musician, inspired me as a collaborator, and shaped who I am as an artist and leader today. The thrill of playing professional level orchestral works with my peers opened my eyes to the heights we could collectively reach, even as young people.

That sense of fulfillment from disciplined practice and focused collaboration continues to drive me in my career even now.”

– MILENA GOVICH, VIOLINIST

Broadway performer, Film/TV Actor, Television Director 42

IN THE NEWS

OKYO NEWSLETTER

For Instrumental Music Educators

To sign up for this great newsletter, scroll to the bottom of the homepage on our website.

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THANKS TO Volunteers

A very special thank you to the many volunteers who work throughout the season to help make the Oklahoma Youth Orchestras programs possible for so many students in Oklahoma.

Music Educators, Private Teachers & Music Professionals We applaud you for your work and dedication in enriching student musicians throughout Oklahoma.

You might not hear it as often as you should, but your work is so important and so appreciated, as only together can we provide the comprehensive support students need to excel as musicians and as citizens. Brava!

OUR COMM Photography

Some of the photography of the OKYO ensembles used in the program book was provided by: MICHAEL ANDERSON PERFORMING ARTS PHOTOGRAPHY

www.PerformingArtsPhotos.com In addition, we greatly appreciate the volunteers, parents, staff, and supporters who provide photos from rehearsals and performances.

Be The Heartbeat

We know it can be a hassle you want to support, so we a credit card to make a mo Simply select your prefe your donation frequency Sustainer you ar

“Giving as an OKYO young musicians on breaks up my givi

– Nath

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MUNITY SUPPORT Grandparents Circle Members

When a grandparent (or anyone who fills that special role) makes a gift to OKYO in honor of their grandchild, we have a special giving circle just for them! We know how special the relationship is between grandchildren and their grandparents and made this giving circle to help grandma and grandpa celebrate their grandchildren’s musical accomplishments!

To learn more, click here Jan Fields, proud of Kate and Evan Boothe (percussion) Bill and Gaye McGovern, proud of William McGovern-Fagg (trumpet) Jane Tweed, proud of Annabelle Haller (viola)

t: Become An OKYO Sustainer!

e trying to keep up with all the community groups e’ve got an easy option for you: sign up once with onthly donation, then never worry about it again! erred amount per month and double check that is set to “monthly.” When you become an OKYO re the heartbeat to keep making music!

O Sustainer not only allows me to support a regular, steady basis, it also conveniently ing into manageable monthly amounts.”

To learn more, click here

han Young; OKYO Sustainer

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WITH

GRATITUDE

Conductor’s Circle Membe

Individuals who choose to support Oklahoma Youth Orchestras with a tax-deductible gift, thr as a monthly Sustainer, or any unspecified donation, are thanked with special invitations and the year. Please join us in applauding those who donated to the organization last sea IMPRESARIO – $2,500+

Shawn Black and Alexis Carter-Black** Matthew Denman Kimberly Fletcher** Paul and Debra Hagemeier** Dr. Lin Lin Liu Jamie and Kim Lowe, The Lowe Group Jerry D. Messick** Anonymous**

MAESTRO – $1,000 TO $2,499

Claren M. Kidd Kris and Peter Markes** Dr. and Mrs. Carl F. Schaefer** Vicki Taylor in memory of Joan Swinford* Joseph and Theresa Thai** Arthur and Betty Thompson** Drs. Quang and BaoLien Tu** David Woolly in honor of Peter Markes**

MUSICIAN – $500 TO $999

Kevin and Margaret Brown** Lisa and Kenneth Darvin** Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Eisenhour Jeffrey Grogan** Cris and Melody Mikkelsen ** Chloe Oden** Tollefson Family** Ron and Maria Urlaub in memory of Lenea Willsher** Kathleen Young**

SUPPORTER – $250 TO $499

Rudi Nollert and Mary Brodnax in honor of Dr. Clinton** Patrick Conlon and Christina Giacona** Donald and Rebecca Davis** Mark and Jean Leidner in memory of Ronald Anderson** Michael Lowery** Destiny McAffrey** Jan McDaniel** Bill and Gaye McGovern** Diane Moershel** Sarah Neely** Duc and Thuy Tu The Youn Family Nathan Young ** Anonymous in honor of Jeffrey Grogan**

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PATRON – $100 TO $249

Dr. Steven C. Agee** Dr. Mark and Teena Belcik** Greg and Joy Bowes in memory of Leah Leach** Verona Brady** Margaret Brisch** Cheryl England** Alice Fielding** Jan Fields in honor of Kate and Evan Boothe** Phyllis Ford** David Garrett** Annette Hager in honor of Madeline and Norah Hager** George Higdon** Kent and Hiromi Hood** LeAnn Hufnagel** Jacqueline Krenowicz** Sid and Mari Lloyd in honor of the Braun Family** Dr. Matthew Mailman in honor of Dr. John Clinton** Amy McGovern** Richard McIntyre** Alexander Mickelthwate** ** Caleb Mitchum Pam Mowry** Mark Osborn** Mark Parker** Catherine Reaves** Laura Reese** Dawn Thrailkill** Jane Tweed in honor of Annabelle Haller** Larry and Leah Westmoreland in honor of Dr. John Clinton** Kevin Zamborsky** Weili Zhang**

OKYO Sustainers To learn how you can make an easy monthly gift to OKYO, please visit www.oyomusic.org/support/sustainers **Special thanks to everyone who helped us meet and exceed our 2020 Play It Forward™ Matching Challenge!

ers

rough our annual Play It Forward™ campaign, d other expressions of gratitude throughout ason (July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020): FRIEND – $20 TO $99

Ben Bigler** Ann Blasdel** Janice Bricker Simon Brown** Jake and Tara Burnett** Jennifer Deachin in honor of Annabelle Haller** Dr. Charlene Dell** Suzanne Dell** Quin Tran-Dykstra and Chris Dykstra** Don and Ginny Evans** Craig and Traci Ferguson** Christy Fine J. David Finnell** Karina Fisher** Forrest and Debbie Fisher** Steven Graham and Vicky Leloie Kelly Rachel Hagemeier in honor of Paul Hagemeier** Christen Haller in honor of Annabelle Haller** Jean Hickerson** Robyn Hilger** Trina Hope and Warren Metcalf** Kelli Ingels** Mr. and Mrs. Reginald Irons** Col. (ret.) Dean and Jeanne Jackson in memory of Sam Decker** Marcia Johnsen** Diane Liebl** Eddie Lopez** Carly Moguin** Gloria Mooers** Michelle Palmer** Montu Patel** Zachary Reaves in memory of Michael Reaves** Judy Schroeder** Paulette Schroeder** Heather Selby** Katherine Story** Samantha Sy** Elizabeth Venegas** Tira Vinson** Jared Woolly** Markshen Wu, Amelia Sanders** David Yao**

Click to learn more about how you can support Oklahoma Youth Orchestras.

Community Supporters Oklahoma Youth Orchestras could not provide our high quality music education to young musicians without the generous support of foundations and corporations who care about the arts and education in our community: SEASON SUPPORT - $5,000+

Ad Astra Foundation** Allied Arts American Fidelity Foundation Wanda L. Bass School of Music at Oklahoma City University Kirkpatrick Foundation Oklahoma Arts Council / National Endowment for the Arts Oklahoma City Philharmonic Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation CONCERT SUPPORT - $1,000 - $4,999

The Phillip Boyle Foundation Elevate Risk Solutions E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation Everett Family Affiliated Fund Inter-City Violin Studios For A Good Koss Foundation The Lowe Group McCasland Foundation Oklahoma City Community Foundation

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WE PROUDLY

SUPPORT THE

OKLAHOMA YOUTH ORCHESTRAS AND WISH TO

CONGRATULATE ALL OF THE STUDENTS FOR AN AMAZING YEAR OF MUSIC...

BRAVA!

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1401 NW 30th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 405.528.4044 www.InterCityViolinStudios.com Like & Follow Us @inter-city.violin

The Blackbird, also called the Black Stone Violin, is a full-size, playable violin made of black diabase and ivory.

Modeled after drawings

by Antonio Stradivari (Stradivarius), but with technical modifications, which allowed it to be played.