Tulsa Symphony facts for kids

The Tulsa Symphony is a professional orchestra located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. An orchestra is a large group of musicians who play many different instruments together. This symphony was started in 2005 by musicians who used to play for the Tulsa Philharmonic, which had stopped performing in 2002.

The Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, often called TSO, began playing with other arts groups in early 2006. They held their very first concert in November 2006. Many of the musicians who play in the Tulsa Symphony also perform with the LOOK Musical Theatre.

How the Tulsa Symphony Works

What makes the Tulsa Symphony special is how it is organized. Unlike many other orchestras, the musicians themselves help make important decisions about how the symphony is run.

Musicians Help Lead

In the Tulsa Symphony, the musicians do more than just play music. They are also involved in many parts of the organization. For example, some musicians have important jobs on the TSO staff. Others are part of the board of directors, which helps guide the symphony.

Teamwork and Decisions

Musicians also join 12 different committees. These committees help make all kinds of decisions for the symphony. This means that the people who play the music have a big say in how the orchestra operates.

A New Way to Run an Orchestra

Most orchestras have contracts that musicians negotiate every few years. But the Tulsa Symphony uses a different approach. The musicians are "self-governed," meaning they work together to make their own rules and agreements. This way of working is supported by the American Federation of Musicians Local 94, which is a union for professional musicians. Everyone, including the musicians, the board, and the staff, works together to make decisions and set policies for the symphony.