USAO musicians join elites at state conference

Two members of the concert band at the University of Science and Arts performed with the Oklahoma All-Collegiate Honor Band last month.

Olen Cox, a senior music major from Hugo, and junior Lindsay Robbins, a music major from Moore, were selected from applicants statewide for the ensemble, which is composed of the top collegiate musicians statewide.

Cox, who plays alto saxophone, said that the music selections were challenging.

“Performing material of this caliber with such an elite group of musicians made this a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Cox.

Dr. Sarah McKoin, a noted conductor and instructor from Texas Tech University, was the guest conductor for the 2013 session.

Robbins, a flautist, found McKoin’s presence behind the baton invigorating.

“It was such a privilege to be rehearsed by a world-class conductor like Dr. McKoin,” Robbins said.

After two days of rehearsal, the honor band performed in the Grand Ballroom of the Downtown DoubleTree Hotel in Tulsa as part of the annual Oklahoma Music Educators Conference.

Dr. Dan Hanson, director of USAO Concert Band, is proud of his musicians’ achievement.

“Olen and Lindsay are two of my hardest working students,” Hanson said, “and we salute their dedication and poise as ambassadors for the university.”

More information about USAO’s music department can be obtained by calling 574-1293 or by visiting the university’s website online at usao.edu.