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About
The Oklahoma Community Orchestra
The
Oklahoma Community Orchestra (OCO) was founded through a desire
shared by musicians in the Greater Oklahoma City area to promote
the performing arts, provide quality performances of symphonic
literature at a nominal charge to the community and exercise and
improve the artistic skills of those performing in the orchestra.
The orchestra was formed in 1984 through the Chamber Music
Division of the Oklahoma City Ladies Music Club. It is now a
nonprofit organization supported both by member dues and by
donations from individuals and organizations. Status as a 501(c)3
organization was approved in 1987. After rehearsing at Oklahoma
Christian University (OC) for several years, the orchestra was
invited to serve as the "Orchestra-in-Residence at Oklahoma
Christian University” in 1995. While both institutions
retain their own independent identities and leadership, this
relationship has been mutually beneficial to both organizations.
OC provides the rehearsal space, concert halls, stage manager
services and related concert expenses, and also allows the
orchestra use of the school's percussion instruments, chairs,
stands, risers, and shells without charge. Having the
orchestra in residence at OC attracts new audiences and members of
the community to the OC campus and enhances the quality of life
for area residents as well as members of the OC college community
and its students.
Approximately 70 musicians perform in the orchestra. The roster
includes professional musicians, business professionals, former
high school and college orchestra members, a limited number of
students from OC and other colleges, independent music teachers,
and instrumental music teachers from the public schools and area
universities. The orchestra members are volunteers, unpaid both
for the weekly rehearsals and for the four to six concerts
performed each season. Each member pays $25 in dues annually to
participate in the orchestra. An independent board of directors is
elected to set policy and manage the needs of the organization.
Board members serve without any compensation for their services.
Although most performances are at Oklahoma Christian University,
the Oklahoma Community Orchestra performs at least one concert at
other venues within the Greater Oklahoma City area.
Orchestra members rehearse at OC each Monday evening from
7:30-9:45 pm throughout the concert season.
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