Sending out our S.O.S. in a Side by Side with a Twist!
Orchestras are known for inviting young musicians to sit with them in concert and play. It is both a rewarding experience for the orchestra and an educational one for the students. But what happens when the table is turned?
SOS is not a distress signal but the "Society of Strings", a new program of the OKC Philharmonic under the direction of Dorothy Hays. This string orchestra of adult beginners offered their first, formal concert in a presentation with the Oklahoma Youth Orchestra on Sunday, April 27. The adult beginners sat "Side By Side" with the talented high school musicians in much the same way the high school students play in the annual "Side By Side" concert with the Philharmonic.
The whole project started three years ago when The Oklahoma City Philharmonic and the Oklahoma City Orchestra League developed an adult education program known as "Be the Orchestra." This program allows adult students to learn the violin or cello at both the beginning level and moving on to the intermediate level. “The idea was to make it easy for any adult who had ever wanted to play the violin to learn to play. With the cost of the class, people would not have to purchase or rent a violin, it would be provided.” Dorothy Hays, BTO instructor. “What set these classes apart from all the other beginning classes for me were the people. With ages ranging from 27 to 88, and all the life experiences exuded in each class, it was with focused intensity they set to the task of learning the ins and outs of learning to play. Some students had music experience on other instruments, but many had no musical training at all.”
The program is gaining interest and momentum as the students recruit people to join them. Originally offered as "Beginning Violin" with Dorothy Hays, a cellist with the OKC Phil, the program has grown to include Intermediate Violin and this year, cello. Brenda Wagner and Jean Statham, both musicians with the Phil, have also helped with teaching at various times.
Recently, several intermediate graduates and their teacher, Dorothy Hays, decided that 2 classes weren’t enough. Together they formed the Society of Strings, SOS for short, and continued playing. Each member pays $6 per rehearsal and they come for the music and the camaraderie. Over 40 members, ranging in age from 30 to 88, have dedicated themselves to continuing this growing group of fledgling string players.
The SOS members have a lot to say about why they are dedicated to their new pursuit:
When I saw the article in the newspaper regarding "Be the Orchestra" I immediately placed the call. The story was such an inspiration. I thought, "There is hope for me - a senior adult - to learn to play the violin, and someone cared enough to start this group. Being a part of the SOS has been a dream come true for me. Dorothy is an especially gifted teacher. I certainly appreciate her beyond words. She knows we can do it, she expects us to do it, and we aim not to disappoint her. SOS adds a world more "flavor" to my life. I look forward to each session with great anticipation. SOS member Frederica Griffith
Being able to play violin in a group and have someone believe that adults can learn to play music is a miracle! I enjoyed playing with OYO and really appreciated those kids who can play so well being willing to play with us. It just goes to show, kids who are involved in music are great people all the way around. SOS member Debbie Ventresca
Since starting at age 67 with no music experience whatsoever, this has been one of the most rewarding times of my life, being a member of S.O.S. My son was killed two years ago and the only thing I kept going in my life was my music. It has proven to be so wonderful and therapeutic. Being given the opportunity to play in a concert for friends and family, it has seemed as though I have been able to experience my hearts desire and also mark one item off my bucket list. SOS member Nancy Castleberry
My feelings toward this entire experience-Pure joy!! My reasons for signing up for the initial class were simple curiosity. My reason for staying on-the love of making music with others and the sense of accomplishment in learning a new skill. SOS member Karen Vollbrecht
The Be the Orchestra program provided an opportunity to put active music involvement back into my life in a way that I now have a discipline to improve my ability to play the violin and a place to do so that is fun. I have played instruments in my youth and was pretty good at the trumpet until I was forced to give it up at age 13 or so because of a health issues. The SOS program has provided the opportunity to learn the violin with discipline and a fun platform for practice and performance. In fact, I look forward to going home and getting on the violin every day. I have even quit watching sports as much on my 60" HDTV so I can practice the violin more. By the way, I will be 70 in September. SOS member Jerry Plant
With the addition of an assistant, Heather Cobb, to help with rehearsals and sectionals, the group is improving rapidly. As students graduate from the intermediate classes, they are invited to join SOS. Heather spends her time with the rookies and gets them ready to join the larger group. The emphasis in the group is for students to continue to progress on their instrument and to experience playing orchestral music.
At their concert, the SOS players performed Dragon Hunter by Richard Meyer and Wexford Carol by Elliot Del Borgo. Playing side by side with members of the string section of the Oklahoma Youth Orchestra on “America the Beautiful” was really scary for some of the SOS members. Dr. John Clinton, conductor of the OYO, and the OYO members reached out to warmly welcome and put the SOS at ease in the one and only rehearsal together. With 40+ members of the OYO strings, the SOS was finally a part of a huge “string sound”! Truly, SOS had achieved symphonic string sound!
Dorothy Hays describes the scene, “The SOS members are gathering for tuning and warm-up just like any orchestra would do before a concert. We take our place on the stage for our 15 minute rehearsal to get used to the acoustics. There are no problems because we are well prepared. We take our place in the audience to listen until it is our time to perform. The orchestras before us sound really good and quickly – it is our turn. Walking up the stairs and taking our places not quite as quickly as the youngsters before us, we are a dignified group. We perform our first selection. I can tell between the two selections as everyone changes their music, there is a look of wonder and awe on every face. The look says, “I am really doing it – I am performing on a stage, as a member of an orchestra!” We perform our second selection and stand to receive the audience’s praise. Everyone is standing a little straighter and there is a smile on every face in the orchestra. It was a great performance! BRAVO!”
Because of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and the Oklahoma City Orchestra League, the SOS members have fulfilled a dream, a deep desire, to play the violin. They are now members of an orchestra, The Society of Strings.
Any adult who plays the violin, viola, cello, or bass at the middle school/junior high level is welcome to join the orchestra. For those who would love to learn to play, classes are offered in the spring and fall; information is available from Education Coordinator, Katie Kucharski, at (405)232-7575 or at www.okcphilharmonic.org.