Po-Hi Orchestra to Perform with The Texas Tenors in Branson

The Ponca City Senior High Symphony Strings Orchestra has been invited to open for and perform with The Texas Tenors at the Starlite Theatre in Branson, Mo.

The orchestra will be performing a 20-25 minute concert on their own, and then The Texas Tenors will join them for a special arrangement of “Wild Horses” developed by their composer for this occasion.

“When the curtain rises at 7:00 p.m. on April 21 at the Starlite Theatre, there will be a big sound in the room, indeed. Emmy Award Winners The Texas Tenors are proud to be joined by the award winning Ponca City High School Orchestra under the direction of Director Dan P. Larson,” h eadlines on the Tenors website say.

“We received the music a few weeks ago and have been working on it," Po-Hi Orchestra Director Dan Larson said . "I am looking forward to showing off the great students I have the honor to work with each and every day. The Texas Tenors are going to find out what an outstanding group we have here in Ponca City.

"Besides being excellent musicians, they are also outstanding individuals," he said. "These students have given their all to the program this year. Our students are excited to perform with big stars in the entertainment field like The Texas Tenors. Just knowing how great they are and that they have performed with some of the best orchestras in the world makes this a really unique and rewarding experience for our orchestra. Hopefully, stepping on the stage with them for a few minutes will help some of our students find new goals and dreams for their own future.”

Having worked with many professional orchestras all over the world, The Texas Tenors have long been supporters of youth music programs and are excited to have the opportunity to spotlight the Ponca City High School Orchestra.

“All three of us are the sons of educators and we relish the opportunity to be a small part of their educational experience,” said John Hagen, member of The Texas Tenors.

The Starlite Theatre is Branson’s premiere live-entertainment destination. The 880-seat theater in Branson is on historic Highway 76 within walking distance of popular attractions.

The group BransonLive brings student groups to Branson to open for various shows around town. You can read about this event on the Starlite Theatre’s website www.starlitetheatre.com and click on “News and Events.”

The Ponca City High School Orchestra has received many top honors over the years under Larson’s direction including the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association Sweepstakes Award this year.