The Prestige Performance Series is a high-level accelerated weekend program open to all Northeast Oklahoma student musicians that provides specialized coaching, guest conductors, and concentrated ensemble rehearsals in a professional, energetic setting. The musicians’ hard work culminates in a performance for their families and the community. This rigorous single day series provides a unique opportunity for area students to learn new skills, prepare for advanced auditions, and expand their imaginations, all without a prohibitive time commitment.
Please refer to this page for any updates on the Prestige Performance Series; please note that all dates are subject to change.
mark your calendars!
TYS is proud to offer 2 levels of participation for young string players in our remaining season: Ascending Strings & Advanced Strings. The Prestige Performance Series program is not restricted by age, grade level, or residency guidelines; all grade-school level students are eligible to register for any event they prefer.
All events require a $35 participation fee; scholarships are available upon request. Lunch is provided for all students and the concert is free and open to the public.
If other questions should arise, please direct them to programs@tulsayouthsymphony.org
ASCENDING STRINGS
Saturday, April 5, 2025
ASCENDING STRINGS is recommended for students who are accelerated beginners through approximately 3 years of experience, are able to read music and can play in the key of F, D, G, and C Major. All registered students will be required to submit a video audition and may decide to take a ‘half’ or ‘full’ audition, which will be defined as the audition materials are released at the time of registration opening.
Registration will open Monday, February 10, 2025.
Video auditions must be submitted by 10pm on Friday, March 7, 2025. *Please note, this audition will be used to determine seating placement.
Students will be sent participation materials on Friday, March 14, 2025.
Guest Conductor: HELENA SINGLETON
ADVANCED STRINGS
Saturday, April 5, 2025
ADVANCED STRINGS is recommended for students who are accelerated 4th year players through approximately 7 years of experience and can play in keys up to 3 sharps and 3 flats. A live audition is required for participation, and students will be placed in either Ascending or Advanced Strings as a result of this one audition.
Audition Materials will be available once registration opens, Monday, February 10, 2025.
During registration, students will be able to register for on-site auditions at their school or at the University of Tulsa’s Lorton Performance Center between March 6-13, 2025. *Please note, this audition will be used to determine seating placement.
Students will be sent participation materials on Friday, March 14, 2025.
Meet our Guest Conductor: COLIN WADDELL
Colin Waddell has served as the Head Orchestra director at Putnam City High School in Oklahoma City since 2013. Most recently, Mr. Waddell was selected as the Putnam City High School Teacher of the Year for 2023 and was a Top 5 finalist for district Teacher of the Year. He has also been selected as a “Transformative Teacher of the Year” for the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute (2022) and the Oklahoma Chapter American String Teachers Association Teacher of the Year (2021). From 2022-2024, he served as Orchestra Vice President for the Oklahoma Music Educators Association. Mr. Waddell’s orchestras have performed at high levels in Texas, Missouri, Colorado, and London, England. During his tenure, the PCHS Orchestra has received numerous state and national awards, and was an Oklahoma Music Educators Association Honor group in 2022.
Mr. Waddell is an accomplished violist and bassist, and has performed professionally in the classical setting as well as in modern church venues across the United States. In his spare time, he enjoys spending restful evenings and weekends with his wife McKenzie, playing board games, and reading books.
INTERMEDIATE STRINGS (November 2024 | Guest Conductor: Joshua Lowery)
INTRODUCTORY STRINGS (November 2024 | Guest Conductor: Liza Villarreal)
INTERMEDIATE STRINGS (February 2024 | Guest Conductor: Pete Peterson)
ASCENDING STRINGS (February 2024 | Guest Conductor: Ronald Juzeler)
ADVANCED STRINGS (November 2023 | Guest Conductor: Jesse Collett)
ADVANCED STRINGS (November 2022 | Guest Conductor: Peter Markes)
ASCENDING STRINGS (April 2023 | Guest Conductor: Charilyne Rojas)
INTERMEDIATE STRINGS (March 2023 | Guest Conductor: Levi Dobrinski)