Years in Tulsa Youth Symphony:
2016-2017 Concert Orchestra
2017-2019 Symphony Orchestra
Instrument: Violin
Favorite Memory from TYS
Playing contemporary pieces like Hanson's Sinfonia Sacra or playing christmas songs on boomwhackers at the holiday party!
After TYS: College Experience
Helena’s Educational History
The University of Tulsa, Bachelor's in Music Education - Instrumental, Summa Cum Laude
Helena’s College Orchestra Experience
TU Symphony Orchestra, Concertmaster 2021-22
Current Job: Orchestra Director
Describe a day to day in your life as an orchestra director:
I haven't started yet, as the first day of classes is Aug 24. I expect day-to-day it will be a lot of tuning, changing strings, and solving small problems, but also really fulfilling work with eager young string players of varying levels. I think we have some fun pieces planned for this first semester, one of which I myself played in my 7th grade orchestra, so that's a fun callback for me.
I'll start the day at Oneta Ridge Middle School, have three orchestra classes (8th, 6th, an advisory class, then 7th). Then, I'll travel to Sequoyah Middle School and teach two more orchestra classes (combined 7th/8th, 6th), so that adds an interesting layer to my day as well.
What are your goals for the Oneta Orchestra over the next year:
To build and enhance a solid foundation in instrumental music and continue to advance their performance skills. It would be great to continue the success that the orchestras have had in past years in contests as well, but my main goal is to instill in the students a lifelong love for music.
What are you most excited for this upcoming school year:
I'm excited to meet and build connections with the students. I'm most excited to witness and contribute to their progress, growth, and achievement over the year as both emerging musicians and outstanding young individuals.
