Oklahoma Youth Orchestra (OYO)
Oklahoma Youth Orchestra (OYO) is OKYO's flagship ensemble. Students in OYO study and perform professional-level repertoire from the classical orchestra cannon as well as contemporary works and learn to accompany soloists as an ensemble.
Type of Ensemble
OYO is a fully symphonic orchestra including strings, winds, brass, percussion, harp and piano. Most students are in grades 9 through 12 with some younger students placed in the ensemble based on audition results
The conductor of Oklahoma Youth Orchestra is Artistic Director Mr. Jeffrey Grogan.
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OYO meets from 6:00pm-8:30pm at OCU in either theLarge Rehearsal Hall or Petree Recital Hall, depending upon availability.
Rehearsals & Performances
Rehearsals take place each Monday night September through May in the Wanda L. Bass School of Music at Oklahoma City University. Students should bring their instrument(s), necessary accessories, a music stand, music, and a pencil to each rehearsal. There are periodic breaks scheduled that generally follow the public school academic calendar. Season schedules are made available to families each summer. Oklahoma Youth Orchestra 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.
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Special Opportunities
Guest Artists: OYO often performs with guest artists, works with guest conductors and features special guests in the rehearsal setting.
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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.
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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 Oklahoma Youth Orchestra and take place each spring.
Membership Dues
2024-25 OYO Membership Dues are $725, 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. ​
Payment of Membership Dues is required by September 9, 2024.
CONCERTO COMPETITION
Seniors in OYO have the opportunity to audition for the annual concerto competition. If selected, they will perform with OYO and win the Louise Francelia Waldorf Prize for Excellence in Solo Performance.
Competition Information
Louise Francelia Waldorf Prize for Excellence in Solo Performance Audition Requirements:
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Must be a Senior and must commit to OYO or Percussion Ensemble for the whole of the 2024-2025 season.
02
Choose one movement from any piece with orchestral accompaniment - this does NOT have to be memorized.
03
Submit audition video as one continuous take. We recommend that you record your audition 2-4 times in a quiet space, take a break, then listen to your final audition video to upload. The audition does NOT need to be accompanied.​
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If selected to perform with OYO, the piece auditioned will be the piece performed.
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Please be sure to submit the name and movement of the concerto in the application form. The repetoire must be approved by Mr. Grogan.
