Be the Orchestra is the beginning cohort in the OKCPHIL Society of Strings program. Its goal is to teach the fundamentals of string playing in a heterogeneous string class for adult beginners. Students in this course have no prerequisite skill or knowledge in string playing or music. Classes meet for 10 weeks in the fall and spring semesters, one time per week. Upon completion of two semesters of Be the Orchestra, students advance into Encore, a performance-based intermediate ensemble.

Rehearsals
All classes/ensembles meet once a week on Monday evenings at First Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City. Registration fees include all materials necessary for class. You will need to provide your own instrument – we can help you connect with a local music store to rent an instrument.

Cost
Society of Strings charges a registration fee to contribute to program costs and special events. However, to relieve financial burden as a potential barrier to participation, members donate to a fund that covers partial and full scholarships for their fellow musicians. Donations exceeding scholarship needs are applied to operating costs of the program and exclusive Society of Strings experiences with OKCPHIL musicians and guest artists. Please email jeana@okcphil.org to donate or request a scholarship.

Participants ages 18 and up are welcome. Beginners are free to register for a Be the Orchestra – Fall/Beginner session during open registration. New participants with any prior playing experience should email societyofstrings@okcphil.org to discuss ensemble placement with Society of Strings Coordinator, Dr. Rob Bradshaw prior to registering.

For more information contact societyofstrings@okcphil.org or education@okcphil.org.

Registration for the Fall 2022 semester will open in August, and classes are every Monday evening 6:30–8:00 from October 3rd – December 5th. 

Download Fall 2022 Schedule (COMING SOON)

Be the Orchestra Fall 2022 Form will open soon.

· Adult Intermediate Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass courses held every Monday for 8 weeks, beginning in Fall 2022.
· We recommend instrument rentals through Inter-City Violin (405-528-4044). Please mention your participation in “Be the Orchestra with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic” to claim a discount.