Adult Programs


Be the Orchestra

Beginning Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass Courses for Adults
Just for adults, this class is designed to teach violin, viola, cello or bass basics to adult beginners. No experience is necessary. The eight-week course meets once a week on Monday evenings. Practicing outside of the course is suggested, but not mandatory. Tuition includes all materials necessary for class. Beginning courses are offered once a year in the fall with classes beginning in September.

Be the Orchestra Intermediate Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass Course for Adults
This class is designed for those who completed the Philharmonic's beginning violin, viola, cello or basscourse in the Fall, or more advanced beginners. The eight-week course meets once a week on Monday evenings. Practicing outside of the course is suggested, but not mandatory. Tuition and instrument are required. Intermediate courses are offered once a year in the spring with classes beginning in January. 

S.O.S.  (Society of Strings)
The Society of Strings is an adult orchestra organized and directed by Dorothy Hays. The majority of participants in S.O.S. consist of those who completed both the beginning and intermediate courses of Be the Orchestra. S.O.S. meets once a week on Monday evenings throughout the year. S.O.S. performs during the year. Information Request


Classical Program Notes

Read Our Program Notes Online
The OKC Philharmonic relies on the scholarship and wit of James Keller, annotator for the New York Philharmonic, for notes on the classical music programs. These notes are published in our concert program and are also available online for advance reading.


Concert Previews

7:00 - 7:30PM
Before each CLASSICS SERIES Concert
Thelma Gaylord Concert Hall  | Civic Center Music Hall
Free to ticket holders

Classics 1 – 24 SEP 2011 at 7:00PM
Speaker: Joel Levine, Music Director, Oklahoma City Philharmonic

Classics 2 – 15 OCT 2011 at 7:00PM
Speaker:  Sergio Monteiro, Chairman: Piano Department, Wanda Bass School of Music, Oklahoma City University

Classics 3 – 19 NOV 2011 at 7:00PM
Speaker:  Rebekah Ambrosini, Associate Professor of Voice, School of Music, Southern Nazarene University

Classics 4 – 7 JAN 2012 at 7:00PM
Speaker: Jane Magrath, Director of Piano Pedagogy, School of Music at the Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts, University of Oklahoma

Classics 5 – 4 FEB 2012 at 7:00PM
Speaker:  Judith Willoughby, Wanda L. Bass Professor of Conducting and Choral Music Education at Oklahoma City University; and Artistic Director of the Canterbury Youth Choruses, Canterbury Choral Society

Classics 6 – 3 MAR 2012 at 7:00PM
Speaker:  Rachel Barton Pine, violinist:  Philharmonic guest artist

Classics 7 – 31 MAR 2012 at 7:00PM
Speaker: Hal Grossman, Assistant Professor of Violin, School of Music at the Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts, University of Oklahoma; member, Holmberg String Quartet

Classics 8 – 21 MAY 2012 at 7:00PM
Speakers:  Carl Rath, Associate Professor :: School of Music, The University of Oklahoma
                 Lisa Harvey-Reed, Instructor of Oboe :: Wanda L. Bass School of Music, Oklahoma City University


Master Classes with the Guest Artists

Talented University music majors are paired with guest artists of the Philharmonic in a lesson before an audience. The public is invited to these free events. Master classes are presented at various university locations and are announced as details are finalized. For the most current information, sign up for the montly Philharmonic eNews.

Rachel Barton Pine will present a master class for violinists. Date and time TBA


Teacher Appreciation Night

The Thursday evening performance of  "The Christmas Show" serves as Teacher Appreciation Night, as we offer discounted tickets to teacher who participate in our education programs. Contact Michelle Ganson, Education Coordinator with questions.