New band director arrives at Oklahoma Christian

The Oklahoma Christian University music department has hired a new band director, George Schrader.

Schrader, a University of Oklahoma alumnus, was hired at the beginning of the summer as the new symphonic band director.

“God just started opening doors so we could really make this happen,” Schrader said. “Everything was really falling into place and we followed it.”

Schrader has had encounters with music which have provided opportunities for growth in his music career.

“I have had a lot of significant experiences in music and I think one of the nice things about music is how it can provide students and young people with a great variety of experiences,” Schrader said.

Chair of the Division of Fine and Performing Arts, John Fletcher, said it was ideals like this which led to the decision to hire Schrader.

“We were seeking a candidate who would be a good fit for Oklahoma Christian’s unique environment and mission,” Fletcher said. “Someone who would come with outstanding credentials and enthusiasm for developing our band program.”

With experiences ranging from vocal to instrumental music, Schrader has the background to direct students to their musical goals.

“I really knew from a very early age that music was something I was good at so I continued to pursue it,” Schrader said. “It was always something I enjoyed and something which came very naturally to me.”

Fletcher said the passion for music education Schrader contains is something the Oklahoma Christian music department thrives on.

“His excitement for working with bands was on display with an infectious kind of enthusiasm, and you could tell he came to life in front of the ensemble,” Fletcher said. “The students responded very positively to his visit.”

The music department has had some significant changes over the past few years, and Schrader will help the band program through this change.

“What it comes down to is we want to see a program which has a sense of community, mission and a sense of wanting to excel in what they do,” Schrader said.

There is growth within the band program at Oklahoma Christian which the music department looks forward to witnessing.

“He brings added dimensions to his work here that can enhance the educational experience for our music education students,” Fletcher said. “He’s well equipped to help students who, for example, may wish to pursue careers as marching band directors.”

The future of the music department is full of the ideas Schrader brings with him as he begins to lead the band program.

“I am really excited to be here because I know this program wants some stability in it and I hope I can provide that for a very long time,” Schrader said. “I want to see what happens when I make a place home and when I invest in a program and invest in a community.”

After an introduction to the Oklahoma Christian symphonic band, Schrader started his first week of rehearsals with these goals and experiences close at hand.