Katie Parr –The Ponca City High School Symphonic Orchestra earned straight superior ratings on stage and in sight-reading Thursday morning at the OSSAA State Orchestra Contest held at Edmond Santa Fe High School. Since the orchestra received superior ratings at their fall contest, the group has earned the OSSAA Sweepstakes Award. This award is the highest honor that can be earned by a high school orchestra in Oklahoma. The group performed “Gravitas” by Soon Hee Newbold and “October” by Eric Whitacre.
“The Ponca City Orchestra has had a great deal of success over the years. High expectations have become the norm. However, each year brings different challenges that the group has to overcome. It takes hard work on the students and directors part to work through these obstacles. The Po-Hi Symphony did just that. They did a terrific performance on stage and got through a very difficult sight reading piece to earn all superior ratings. Congratulations to all those involved in the process and their leader, Ms. Paula Cochran. I was thrilled to be at today’s event and heard their wonderful presentation. I am very proud of their effort. I am looking forward to future performances,” said retired maestro Dan Larson. Connor Pratt, Director of Bands said: “Today’s contest performance by the symphony orchestra was a truly spectacular experience. All of the orchestra and band students have worked so hard to get to this point which showed during their performance on stage. This year I have had the privilege of working with the orchestra winds who have completely raised the standard of musicianship in the band program. The levels of musicianship happening in Ponca City right now are inspiring. Congratulations to Ms. Cochran and the Symphony Orchestra!” Paula Cochran, Director of Orchestras stated, “We are so fortunate to be a part of a school district that strives for greatness in all of our programs. Coaches and Directors work together to share students. This partnership gives every child the opportunity to be successful, in every activity they belong to. We are so proud of our band and orchestra students. Thank you students. It is an honor to be on the podium with you,
A special thank you also goes to Katie Hauge, Dylan Labon, Connor Pratt, Jason Salazar, Luke McHenry, Katie Nichols, Ashley Gale, Dan Larson, Susan Clothier, Dr. John Clinton, Dr. Jim Waddelow, and Dr. Mark Laycock. Your mentorship, attention to detail, and commitment to Ponca City is a direction reflection of our superior ratings.
Please join us for our Orchestras In Review concert on Tuesday, February 24th. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. in the Ponca City Schools Concert Hall. Admission is free and this concert will feature 5th through 12th grade orchestras.
