OSU Symphony Orchestra and director earn national recognition for innovation and excellence
Friday, August 22, 2025
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The Oklahoma State University Symphony Orchestra is hitting the right note.
OSU is one of only five college orchestras named a national finalist for the Vytautas Marijosius Memorial Award in Orchestral Programming — a distinction that celebrates inventive and impactful orchestral performances.
“I was truly honored and humbled when I received the news,” said Dr. Thomas Dickey, former director of orchestral studies. “To be recognized on the national level for the great things we are doing here at OSU means the world to me and the students.”
The award for orchestral programming acknowledges the breadth and diversity of the OSU Symphony Orchestra’s repertoire. From classical symphonies and operas to contemporary pieces by female composers and composers of color, Dickey said the orchestra is committed to exposing students and audiences to a wide range of music.
“This recognition confirms that we are a part of the changes in classical music that we want to see happen for the next generation of orchestral musicians and concertgoers,” he said.
In addition, Dickey was named a national finalist for The American Prize in Orchestral Conducting, highlighting both his leadership and the orchestra’s creative spirit. Dickey says it’s a meaningful affirmation of his work.
“It is both humbling and validating to be recognized nationally alongside some of the best college orchestra directors in the country,” he said.
Graduate teaching assistant Nathan Hooper, who works closely with Dickey and the orchestra within the Greenwood School of Music, echoed the sentiment.
“It’s really great and well-deserved,” he said. “I’m proud to be the student of a conductor who is getting so much national recognition. It gives me confidence that I am in good hands.”
Hooper credited Dickey’s methodical rehearsal planning and thoughtful programming
as key elements of the orchestra’s success.
“He’s excellent at themed concerts that lend to a very easy listening experience,”
Hooper said. “The music always makes sense together and complements itself well.”
Looking ahead, the orchestra plans to continue dreaming big.
“We live by the Cowboy Code,” Dickey said. “Next year, we’re hoping to tackle a Shostakovich symphony and explore works by American composers in honor of the country’s 250th birthday.”
With its growing national reputation, the OSU Symphony Orchestra hopes to attract top-tier musical talent from across Oklahoma and beyond.
“OSU is a nationally recognized university,” Dickey said. “It’s only right that we have a nationally recognized orchestral program.”
Story By: Matthew Hunter | Photo By: Jason Wallace | casnews@okstate.edu