Festival Strings is a non-auditioned, strings-only program with three satellite ensembles in the metro:  Oklahoma City, Norman, and Edmond. The Festival Strings ensembles are designed to challenge and develop young music students with new music and new skills.  While rehearsing at separate locations, the three Festival Strings ensembles rehearse the same repertoire and combine forces for performances to provide students with a full ensemble experience.

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Type of Ensemble:  Festival Strings is a strings-only ensemble for students through grade 8.  All students must have at least one year of playing experience and the ability to read music is required.

 

Conductors:  

Kristin Geist is the conductor of Festival Strings OKC.  See HERE for more information about Ms. Geist.

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Mark Osborn is the conductor of Festival Strings Norman. See HERE for more information about Mr. Osborn.

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Sarah Grote is the conductor of Festival Strings Edmond.  See HERE for more information about Ms. Grote.

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Rehearsals:  Rehearsals take place each Monday night September through May as follows.  There are periodic breaks scheduled that generally follow the public school academic calendar.  Season schedules are made available to families each summer.

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Festival Strings OKC - Oklahoma City University FA 311 - 2501 N Blackwelder Ave, OKC - Directions HERE

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Festival Strings Norman - Whittier Middle School - 2000 W Brooks Street, Norman - Directions HERE.

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Festival Strings Edmond - Cimarron Middle School - 3701 S Bryant Avenue, Edmond - Directions HERE.

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Performances:  Festival Strings performs together three to four times per year depending on the season.  Performances typically take place at either Oklahoma City University or the Performing Arts Theatre at Oklahoma City Community College.

Individually, Festival Strings ensembles often perform holiday and special concerts for their families during scheduled rehearsals.

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Auditions: Auditions are NOT REQUIRED for Festival Strings.  Students may enroll beginning in May for the following season.

 

2023-24 Membership Dues: Festival Strings Membership Dues are $325, and Special Scholarships are available for those who need assistance.

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Family Discounts of 15% are also available for households with more than one student participating in OKYO ensembles.   

 

***Test Drive Festival Strings before committing to the full year.  Students registering for Festival Strings may attend rehearsals in September and October without a financial commitment. The Test Drive period still requires registration in advance.

Payment of Membership Dues will be required by November 6.***

What to Bring to Rehearsal: Students should bring their instruments, necessary accessories, a music stand,  music and a pencil to each rehearsal.

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