2024 End of Year Reflection

As Tulsa Youth Symphony nears the midpoint of its 61st season we are filled with gratitude. We are grateful to TYS families, past and present, for devoting their time and sharing their talents to making the TYS programs so wonderful; grateful to our community for its steadfast support over these many decades; and grateful for TYS staff, coaches, and conductors for their years of dedication to the continued growth of these amazing students.

Among these extraordinary educators was Ron Wheeler, Tulsa Youth Symphony’s Conductor Emeritus, and my close friend, who passed away June 30, 2024. Ron was the heart of the Tulsa Youth Symphony for over five decades –- a tenure marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and an unwavering commitment to nurturing young talent and young minds. He transformed the musical landscape of Tulsa and shaped the lives of thousands, instilling in them not only the skills of their craft, but a deep love for the art form. As we remember Ron, we celebrate not just his remarkable career, but the way he touched our lives. He was a mentor, a guide, and a friend. His legacy is etched in the hearts of the young musicians he taught, in the scores he conducted, and in the communities he enriched.

We hope you will join us on March 2, 2025 at the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center as Tulsa Youth Symphony presents the Ronald Wheeler Memorial Concert. This performance will feature TYS ensembles performing some of Ron’s favorite music and will be a special alumni homecoming event as we all gather to honor Ron’s memory.

Additionally, as you consider your end-of-year giving we would like to invite you to make a donation to Tulsa Youth Symphony in honor of Ron. We have an extraordinary matching challenge provided by The Albert and Hete Barthelmes Foundation who will match all donations dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000. A tax-deductible donation of any amount ensures TYS continues to foster unity through music. We hope you’ll join us as we carry forward Ron’s spirit of generosity, his love for music, and his boundless passion for life, for the next generation of Tulsa Youth Symphony musicians and leaders. 

Cathy Venable

Tulsa Youth Symphony Alumna, Flute section 1983-85

Tulsa Youth Symphony Administrative Assistant, 1991-1995