Our History
In 2024-2025, OYO celebrates its 50th year of educating young musicians. Take a look at the timeline to see how we’ve grown, responded to the needs of our community, and the variety of enriching experiences we provide our students.
2023-2024
With continued growth in student numbers, OYO once again performs three inspiring concerts at Oxford Performing Arts Center, bringing in even greater audiences, both in person and online, allowing family and friends unable to make it to the venue a chance to enjoy the concerts.
Nicole Shogren hired as the new Executive Director.
Zeljko Milicevic, Symphony Orchestra conductor, celebrates 30 years with OYO!
A new board president, Clarke Bonten, is elected, along with additional members at large, Sarah Leight and David Yarnall.
2022-2023
OYO returns to pre-pandemic structure enrolling 325 students across the four orchestras. Three concerts are held at Oxford Performing Arts Center each with record-breaking attendance!
After a 3-year pause, the Community Outreach Recitals were once again programmed. OYO students visited senior living communities bringing joy to everyone they met!
Joanne Walle, Executive Director retires after 20 years.
2021-2022
OYO returns to in-person rehearsals with enhanced rehearsal protocols as the pandemic continues.
John Kennedy, String Orchestra Conductor, celebrates 20 years with OYO!
2020 – 2021
During the Covid-19 Pandemic OYO creates Virtual OYO in response to closures and transition to virtual learning. Students met every Thursday with their orchestra director followed by sectionals with their specific instrument coach. Four Virtual Concerts were produced and broadcast via YouTube. Additional staff were hired to support the expanded virtual programming to the 275 students enrolled. Ensembles included:
- Studio String Orchestra
- String Orchestra
- Philharmonia String Orchestra
- Symphony String Orchestra
- Philharmonia Woodwind Ensemble
- Symphony Woodwind Ensemble
- Philharmonia/Symphony Combined Brass Ensemble
In the spring, with covid restrictions loosening, Chamber Ensembles met in-person. Forty-five students, forming 8 socially distanced ensembles, met for six weeks in May/June. The Chamber Concert was recorded live and broadcast on our YouTube channel.
Wendy Stuart, Philharmonia Orchestra conductor, celebrates her 10th season with OYO!
2019-2020: 45th Anniversary
The season ends abruptly as the Covid-19 Pandemic spreads in the U.S.A. All rehearsals, Spring Concert, Concerto Competition, Chamber Ensembles Concert, and in-person auditions are cancelled.
Virtual auditions for 400 students are held via Zoom.
2018-2019
Zeljko Milicevic, fondly known by his students as “Mr. M”, celebrates his 25th season as OYO Symphony Orchestra conductor!
Nick Karpinsky, founding conductor of the Studio String Orchestra celebrates his 10th season with OYO!
2015-2018
2014 – 2015: 40th Anniversary
OYO commissions Catherine McMichael to write a piece for the organization. In May 2015, all four orchestras collectively premiered Symphony of the Ages
2013 – 2014
Due to increasing membership numbers Studio String expands to offer two rehearsal times. Rehearsal sections combine to become one large orchestra for concert performances.
Zeljko Milicevic, fondly known by his students as “Mr. M”, celebrates his 20th season as OYO Symphony Orchestra conductor!
2012 – 2013
As a result of rapid growth OYO moves it’s performance home to Oxford Fine Arts Center in Oxford, MI.
2011 – 2012
Wendy Stuart, talented music educator and cellist is appointed Conductor of the Philharmonia Orchestra, replacing much-loved Tony Krempa.
OYO introduces a new logo, website and Facebook page.
Chamber Ensembles Program is created.
Community Outreach Recitals begin offering students performance opportunities presented at Senior Homes, where they see the joy that their music brings to the seniors. Outreach Performances feature soloists and chamber ensemble groups.
2009 – 2010
OYO receives its first grant from Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.
2008 – 2009
OYO adds its 4th ensemble, Studio String Orchestra – and an energetic and enthusiastic Nick Karpinsky is hired to lead the group.
Ervin Monroe returns as Guest Conductor to lead the Symphony Orchestra in the Overture to Candide.
2008
Charles Greenwell, an Assistant Conductor of the DSO, narrates Peter and the Wolf with the Philharmonia Orchestra.
2006
Rufus Reid, professional jazz bassist performs The Meddler with Zeljko Milicevic, Tony Krempa, and the String Orchestra.
2002
Our 3rd group, Philharmonia Orchestra, is added with Tony Krempa as Conductor. John Kennedy, former OYO member, takes over the String Orchestra and becomes a key addition to OYO.
Joanne Walle is hired as the Executive Director.
1998
Our 2nd group, String Orchestra , is created and Anthony Krempa is hired as its enthusiastic and inspiring Conductor.
Noted composer, James Hartway writes Car Trek commissioned by the Oakland Youth Orchestra by the Chrysler Corporation to perform.
1997
Special vocalist, Owain Phyfe, and the New World Renaissance perform with the OYO.
1994
Zeljko Milicevic, a past OYO student member, returns to OYO to fill the role of Conductor. His talents as an instructor and his passion for the students were an immediate asset to OYO. The orchestra had 64 members that season. Soon, a 5-year plan was in place, and a foundation for growth was established.
1990
Dr. Andrew Dabczynski, is hired as Conductor, and was instrumental in changing the name to Oakland Youth Orchestra, as well as accomplishing the incorporation as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
1988
Robert Phillips is hired as Conductor.
1978
Ani Kavafian, nationally known concert violinist, makes a guest appearance.
1976
Philip Austin, Assistant Principal Bassoonist of the DSO, plays as guest soloist.
1975
Oakland Youth Symphony, Inc. is established, thanks to the vision of Joan G. Berndt, Lecturer in the Music Department of Oakland University, and the energy of Dr. Raynold Allvin, Department Chairman. We begin with 50 students.
Ervin Monroe, principal flutist of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra is hired as founding conductor. Lawrence Simmons serves as Associate Conductor.