Oklahoma Youth Orchestra (OYO)
Oklahoma Youth Orchestra (OYO) is the flagship orchestra of the Oklahoma Youth Orchestras organization. It is comprised of some of the most advanced high school musicians in the state of Oklahoma and performs some of the greatest orchestral repertoire ever written, new and old.
Type of Ensemble: OYO is a full symphonic orchestra including strings, winds, brass, percussion, harp and piano.
Typical OYO Students: While auditions are based on playing level and not age, most students are in grades 9 through 12, with some younger students placed in the ensemble based on audition results.
Conductor: Jeffrey Grogan is the conductor of OYO and Artistic Director for OKYO. See HERE for more information about Mr. Grogan.
Rehearsals and Performances: Rehearsals take place each Monday night September through May in the Wanda L. Bass School of Music at Oklahoma City University. There are periodic breaks scheduled that generally follow the public school academic calendar. Season schedules are made available to families each summer. OYO performs three to four concerts per year, depending on the season. Most performances take place at the Performing Arts Theatre at Oklahoma City Community College.
Special Opportunities:
Guest Artists: OYO often performs with guest artists, works with guest conductors and features special guests in the rehearsal setting.
Concerto Competition: Students who are seniors and enrolled in OYO have the opportunity to audition for the annual concerto competition and, if selected, perform with OYO and receive the Louise Francelia Waldorf Prize for Excellence in Solo Performance.
Side By Side with the OKC Philharmonic: Each season, OYO students enjoy a rehearsal with members of the OKC Philharmonic, where members of the Philharmonic rehearse Side By Side with OYO students.
Auditions: Auditions are required for placement in OYO and take place each spring.
2023-24 Membership Dues: OYO Membership Dues are $705, and Special Scholarships are available for those who need assistance.
Family Discounts of 15% are also available for households with more than one student participating in OKYO ensembles.
What to Bring to Rehearsal: Students should bring their instruments, necessary accessories, music and a pencil to each rehearsal.
Students who are seniors have the opportunity to audition for the annual concerto competition and, if selected, perform with OYO and win the Louise Francelia Waldorf Prize for Excellence in Solo Performance
"The Oklahoma Youth Orchestra is a sensational ensemble. They're playing with passion and excellence, and with technical surety. Working with kids who have the capacity to accomplish so much with such dedication is a joy."
Maestro Gerard Schwarz
