ORCHESTRA / STRINGS
The Oklahoma Christian University Chamber Orchestra
Opportunities are plentiful for string players at Oklahoma Christian. Students may perform in both large and small ensembles, and have the opportunity to study violin, viola, cello, or bass with outstanding performer/teachers from the Oklahoma City area.
Many string players receive financial aid for their participation in the Oklahoma Christian ensembles. For further information, check out scholarship opportunities.
The Oklahoma Christian University Chamber Orchestra is open to OC students
with previous experience in high school orchestras or private lessons. The Chamber Orchestra performs in Music Department concerts and other community functions. String quartets from the Chamber Orchestra often perform for weddings and receptions. Gena Alexander conducts the Chamber Orchestra, which rehearses on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in Judd Theatre.
The Oklahoma Community Orchestra
The Oklahoma Community Orchestra is the "orchestra-in-residence" at Oklahoma Christian University. Rehearsals are held on campus each Monday evening during the academic year, and many of the concerts are presented in Hardeman Auditorium. All qualified string students are invited to join the orchestra, which also includes outstanding instrumentalists from throughout the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. Dr. Irvin Wagner conducts the orchestra, which performs five or more concerts each year, featuring works from the standard symphonic repertoire along with notable contemporary and "pops" selections. Additionally, the orchestra accompanies the Central Oklahoma Ballet Company in their annual December production of Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker." In January 2011 the orchestra performed as an honor group at the Oklahoma Music Educators Association conference in Tulsa.
Renowned soloists who have performed with the orchestra include pianists Andrew Cooperstock, Giovanni Umberto Battel, and Valery Kuleshov, Trio Montevideo, the Newstead Trio, guitarist David Burgess, and cellist Dr. Tess Remy-Schumacher. John Burstein (alias Slim Goodbody) appeared with the OCO for his production "Symphonosaurus," and the orchestra has recently shared the stage with artists such as trumpeter David Hooten, guitarist Edgar Cruz, nationally known fiddle player Byron Berline and his Bluegrass Band, and former Miss America Susan Powell.
