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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 bass course 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) and S.O.S. Encore
The Society of Strings and Society of Strings Encore are two adult orchestras mostly comprised of those who have competed both the beginning and intermediate courses of Be the Orchestra. Society of Strings is under the direction of Dr. John Schimek and Society of Strings Encore is under the direction of Mrs. Dorothy Hays. Both ensembles meet once a week on Monday evenings throughout 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 – 15 SEP 2012 at 7:00PM
Speaker:  Thomas Lanners, Professor of Piano, Oklahoma State University

Classics 2 – 6 OCT 2012 at 7:00PM
Speaker:  Gregory Lee, Associate Professor of Violin, University of Oklahoma

Classics 3 – 17 NOV 2012 at 7:00PM
Speaker:  Barry Douglas, Pianist

Classics 4 – 12 JAN 2013 at 7:00PM
Speaker:  Stefan Jackiw, Violinist

Classics 5 – 2 FEB 2013 at 7:00PM
Speaker:  David Steffens, Professor of Percussion, Oklahoma City University

Classics 6 – 2 MAR 2013 at 7:00PM
Speaker:  Tomasz Zieba, Adjunct Instructor of Cello, Oklahoma City University and Dorothy Hays, Music Director, Putnam City Schools (retired)

Classics 7 – 6 APR 20132 at 7:00PM
Speaker:  Mark Reighard, Professor, Southern Nazarene University

Classics 8 – 11 MAY 2013 at 7:00PM
Speaker:  Joel Levine, Music Director, OKC Philharmonic

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 monthly Philharmonic eNews.

Master Classes are free of charge and open to the public.

Master Classes for the 2012-2013 Season:

Barry Douglas, Piano
Friday, November 16, 2012
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Sharp Hall, Catlett Music Center, The University of Oklahoma

Teacher Appreciation Night

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