FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jenni Shrum,
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
(405) 231-0145 jenni@okcphil.org
The Oklahoma City Philharmonic invites music lovers to pop in to help secure a bright future for music education.
Oklahoma City – The Oklahoma City Philharmonic’s Maestro’s Ball 2024 will be held November 8th, 6:30 p.m. at the Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club. The Maestro’s Ball is the symphony’s largest fundraising event of the year with contributions totaling over $230,000 in 2023. This year, the black-tie event encourages guests to dress in “Pops of Color” to enjoy an evening of orchestral pops performances, all in support of the OKCPHIL’s music education programs.
In the 2023-2024 school year, proceeds from Maestro’s Ball provided free music education programs to more than 100 Oklahoma schools, 7,347 students and teachers attended a Youth Concert at the Civic Center Music Hall, and 46 schools were visited by OKCPHIL musicians as part of the We’ve Got Rhythm program.
Each year the event honors individuals who have long championed the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and have stepped in time and time again to keep orchestral music alive in Oklahoma City. Robert and Sody Clements have been chosen as the 2024 Maestro’s Circle Inductees. Sody joined the Associate Board of the Oklahoma Symphony when she was only twenty years old and has been a loyal subscriber for many years. Over the years Sody has done everything from chauffeuring guest artists around town to organizing the Great Lobster Fly-In fundraising event. Robert became involved with the orchestra when he and Sody married. He is currently in his fourth term as a board member where he has served in multiple leadership roles.
Maestro’s Ball Co-Chairs are Terri Cooper and Farooq Karim. Maestro’s Ball Committee members are Rachael Geiger, Mady Hendryx, Daniel Karami, Debra Kos, Desiree Singer, Geetika Verma, and Wendi Wilson.
“Music is an essential and integral part of all societies. It speaks to the most expressive elements of our innermost feelings. Music education can be a valuable tool in helping young brains develop and provides the seeds for a lifetime of love and appreciation of music,” said Terri Cooper, Maestro’s Ball Co-Chair. “As a person who was the beneficiary of childhood music education, I’m thrilled to help the OKCPHIL raise funds to bring the joy of music to today’s students.”
Presenting Sponsors are Glenna & Dick Tanenbaum. Platinum Sponsors include WW|AFCO Steel, Robert & Sody Clements, and Dr. Margaret Freede. A full list of sponsors can be found on the OKCPHIL website.
Tickets are available at okcphil.org/maestrosball or by phone at (405) 842-5387.
About OKC Philharmonic
OKC Philharmonic was founded in 1988 and celebrates over 30 years of beautiful music in Oklahoma City. Under the direction of Alexander Mickelthwate, the orchestra performs Classics, Orchestral Pops, and Discovery Family concerts, as well as a variety of community engagements. Our mission exists to provide inspiration and joy for the community through orchestral music. For more information contact us at okcphil.org 424 Colcord Drive, Suite B, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
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