Session Proposals

Peter Markes (Marcus) lives in Oklahoma City with his wife, Kris, and their two boys, Patrick and Vincent. Since 2020 he has taught on faculty at his alma mater, Oklahoma City University, as associate professor and director of music education and faculty advisor for OCU's NAfME Collegiate Chapter. From 2002-17 he was director of orchestras at Edmond North High School, taking the ensemble to a performance at the Midwest Clinic in 2012 and two tours to Carnegie Hall. In 2013, he was selected as the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year and also one of the “50 Directors Who Make a Difference” by School Band and Orchestra magazine. In 2026, Markes was a finalist conducting candidate for the OKCPHIL’s education concert series and also the Oklahoma Youth Orchestras OYP ensemble. As a performer, he has partnered with Kyle Dillingham for over 30 years, and together they have performed and taught in over 30 countries on five continents, played on the Grand Ole Opry, the halftime show for the OKC Thunder, and released several recordings in the Americana and folk-pop genres. As a solo artist, Markes has released two albums, I Have a Dream (2018) and My Father’s Age (2024), available to stream worldwide. Learn and hear more at www.PeterMarkes.com and YouTube and social media @PeterMarkesMusic.

Have you ever had an orchestra rehearsal start with, “Did we all remember to tune?” Or, “Stop, stop, stop - it’s way too loud!” This workshop is for you! This session offers practical insights gleaned from experience (i.e., personal mishaps!) and research to refine the orchestra tuning process while also intentionally developing social and emotional learning skills far beyond tuning four open strings. The tuning time can become the basis of self-management and awareness, social awareness, and responsible decision making needed for exceptional musicianship and a sustained positive culture.

• Orchestra - Middle School
• Orchestra - Secondary