Welcome!

The Norman North Orchestras have continued the tradition of excellence that has long been a trademark of the Norman Public Schools. The orchestras have consistently been awarded superior ratings at state competitions and have been the recipients of the State Sweepstakes Award for the past 25 years. The orchestras have also been awarded Best in Class at music festivals in Colorado Springs, Dallas, New Orleans, and San Antonio and the 2008 Grand Champions of the “Windy City” Classic in Chicago.  In 2002, the Symphonic Orchestra was honored to perform at the 56th Annual Midwest Clinic in Chicago. The Symphonic Orchestra was also honored to perform at the 2006 American String Teacher National Convention. Individual members of the orchestras are active in solo & ensemble performances, All-State Orchestra, youth orchestras, and the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute. In addition, many have received awards and honors, including the State Superintendent's Award for Arts Excellence.

The orchestra classes are divided by ability. The emphasis in the Concert Orchestra (9th-12th grade) is on technical and performance skill development. The Philharmonic Orchestra (9th-12th grade) is selected by audition and is designed to refine and expand fundamental skills. The Symphonic Orchestra (9th-12th grade) is selected by audition and is designed primarily for students who demonstrate a high level of fundamental and technical skills. The Symphonic Orchestra strings are joined on Tuesdays and Thursdays during lunch by the orchestral winds, brass, and percussion, who are selected by audition. The primary focus of this group is continued technical development in addition to a broader range of performance opportunities.

Director:

Brenda Wagner began her tenure in the Norman Public Schools in 1991 and is currently the Orchestra Director at Norman North High School.  She also serves as the Orchestra Coordinator for the Norman Public Schools.  In addition to her duties at the high school, Ms. Wagner teaches a beginning string class at Cleveland Elementary. Ms. Wagner’s awards and honors include;  “50 Directors Who Make A Difference” for the State of Oklahoma by the School Band and Orchestra Magazine, Oklahoma Music Educator of the Year by the National Federation of High Schools and Exemplary Teacher by the Oklahoma Music Educators Association.  In addition, she is listed in Who's Who of American Women, Who's Who in America, and Who's Who Among America's Teachers. She received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Oklahoma, a Master of Music Education degree from the University of Central Oklahoma.

Ms. Wagner is a violinist and performs regularly as a member of various orchestral and chamber music groups. She has also made several European tours with various ensembles.   Her professional memberships include MENC, OMEA, ASTA, NEA, and the AF of M.

Contact: bwagner@normanps.org

1809 Stubbeman Ave

Norman, OK 73069