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OBU-Shawnee Community Orchestra Auditions

August 21, 2012

This particular audition date is primarily for string players, but interested performers on wind and percussion instruments should contact Hansford at (405) 878-2310 for additional information.

Musicians should come prepared to play an appropriate excerpt of a solo or an etude to demonstrate his or her skills. The principal players in the string section, who are graduate students or professional players from the area, will conduct string auditions. Each auditioning player will also be asked to sight-read a short excerpt of music. Returning wind and percussion players do not need to re-audition at this time.

Funding for the first few years of the SCO was provided through a grant from the Kirkpatrick Foundation in Oklahoma City. The grant became a reality through the work of Dr. Paul Hammond, former dean of the Warren M. Angell College of Fine Arts, and it provided funds necessary to form a graduate string quartet that was shared jointly by the University of Oklahoma and OBU. In recent years, corporate and private donors in the Shawnee area have stepped in and supported the ensemble with generous gifts.

"Without the assistance of our loyal local donors, this orchestra would likely not be a reality," Hansford said.

Through the years the orchestra has averaged about 50 percent of its membership coming from the community and the remainder being comprised of OBU students, faculty and staff. More than 80 different musicians from the community and region have participated in the orchestra over the years from cities including Muskogee, Edmond, Norman, Yukon, Ada, Tecumseh, McLoud, Harrah, Meeker, Oklahoma City, Chandler, Choctaw and Earlsboro. Likewise, numerous OBU wind, percussion and string majors have had an orchestral experience necessary for continued success in their chosen profession.

"The membership of the group is quite diverse, including doctors, educators, homemakers, retired military and students ranging in age from 15 to 75 years," Hansford said. "The beautiful thing about musical skill is that one can utilize and enjoy it for a lifetime."

Five current members have been a part of the group since its inception. They include Sherry McWilliams, flute; John King, trumpet; Ada Sewell, violin/viola; Thresa Swadley, cello; and Toppie Lincicome, trombone.

Regular rehearsals are scheduled on Mondays from 7-9 p.m. in the instrumental rehearsal hall (room 104) in Raley Chapel. The first rehearsal will be Sept. 10.

For more information, contact Hansford at jim.hansford@okbu.edu or(405) 878-2310.