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Oklahoma Community Orchestra
The Oklahoma Community Orchestra (OCO) was founded through a desire shared by musicians in the Greater Oklahoma City area to promote the performing arts, provide quality performances of symphonic literature at a nominal charge to the community and exercise and improve the artistic skills of those performing in the orchestra.
The orchestra was formed in 1984 through the Chamber Music Division of the Oklahoma City Ladies Music Club. It is now a nonprofit organization supported both by member dues and by donations from individuals and organizations. Status as a 501(c)3 organization was approved in 1987. After rehearsing at Oklahoma Christian University (OC) for several years, the orchestra was invited to serve as the “Orchestra-in-Residence at Oklahoma Christian University” in 1995. While both institutions retain their own independent identities and leadership, this relationship has been mutually beneficial to both organizations. OC provides the rehearsal space, concert halls, stage manager services, and related concert expenses, and also allows the orchestra use of the school’s percussion instruments, chairs, stands, risers, and shells without charge. Having the orchestra in residence at OC attracts new audiences and members of the community to the OC campus and enhances the quality of life for area residents as well as members of the OC college community and its students.