Catherine Reaves has music degrees from Stetson University (BME) and the University of Northern Colorado (MM). She has been a violinist with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic since its inception in 1989, serving as its Assistant Principal 2nd Violin and for the 2023-24 season, served as Acting Principal 2nd Violin. As of the 2024-25 season Cathy moved into the section with the title of Assistant Principal 2nd Violin Emeritus. She is also a member of the Lawton Philharmonic, where she served as Principal 2nd Violinist from 1984-2026 and she also serves in this position with the Norman Philharmonic. Prior to moving to Oklahoma in 1981, Cathy performed with the Orquestra Sinfonica de Minas Gerais in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Cathy is the music consultant and violinist for the Mid-America String Quartet, which plays for weddings and other events throughout the state. She also serves as a musical contractor for numerous area churches and universities and recently retired from her long career as a private violin teacher. In 2025 she participated in the Performing Arts Festival in Assisi, Italy along with several other OKC Phil colleagues. Cathy resides in Norman, is mom to 4 successful children, Nana to 8 wonderful grandchildren and also tries to keep up with her 2 active dogs, Kreutzer and Amati.
What would you like the OKCPHIL patrons to know about you? I thrive on making music on stage for them to enjoy. It’s the essence of my being and a part of my life for 40 years. I can’t wait for us all to (safely) be crowded into the Civic Center Music Hall enjoying music again.
What is the most unusual side job you’ve had over the years? In the past, to make ends meet, Mike and I had a Candy Company. We sold candy to schools who then sold them for fundraising. Mike did deliveries and I kept the books. We did that for many years. Now I teach privately and perform with Mid America String Quartet.