Skip area navigation

OBU/Shawnee Community Orchestra

Established in 2002, the OBU/Shawnee Community Orchestra (OBU-SCO) is a collaborative ensemble comprised of OBU students, faculty and alumni, as well as musicians from Shawnee and the surrounding areas. The ensemble is under the leadership of James Vernon, Professor of Music and Interim Director of Instrumental Activities.
The aim of the ensemble is to provide an outlet for local musicians to contribute their skills, while also creating engaging performances for a wide range of audience members through the presentation of musical and artistic experiences that simultaneously educate and reinforce music as an expression of the human condition.
The orchestra performs a mixture of standard and emerging repertoire for the symphonic and string orchestra, blending light classical and popular music in its programming. Its goal is to expose musicians and audience members to standard repertoire while also engaging diverse audiences in the music making experience.
All musicians who are new to the orchestra are required to audition for entry and chair placement. Auditions take place the last Monday each August. Interested first-time performers on string, wind or percussion instruments should fill out the OBU-SCO Interest Form or contact the Division of Music Office by phone at 405.585.4300 or email music@okbu.edu. OBU students are required to enroll in orchestra for credit.
Rehearsals for the OBU-SCO take place on Monday evenings throughout the fall and spring semesters, from 7-9 p.m. The OBU-SCO performs two concerts each season. All concerts and rehearsals take place in Raley Chapel on OBU’s campus.