Former Tulsa Youth Symphony Executive Director and Conductor Ron Wheeler of Oklahoma has sadly passed away. He died on Sunday 30th June 2024 surrounded by his beloved family. He was announced dead through a post that reads “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ron Wheeler, who died peacefully among close family on Sunday, June 30, 2024 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.” The actual cause of Ron Wheeler’s death has not been known.
Ron Wheeler Career
Ron Wheeler, a towering figure in the world of music education and conducting, has left an indelible mark on the musical landscape. Serving as the Conductor of the Tulsa Youth Symphony from 1972 to 2021, Wheeler’s influence spanned nearly five decades, shaping the talents and futures of countless young musicians. His journey in music education began at Oral Roberts University, where he served on the music faculty for fourteen years. His dedication to nurturing young talent extended beyond the university, as he conducted at various music camps and festivals across the country, including Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, California, Oregon, and North Dakota.
His versatility as a musician was evident through his performances as a violinist with the Tulsa Philharmonic and the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra. Wheeler’s contributions were not limited to the stage and the classroom. He held significant administrative roles with the Tulsa Philharmonic, the Cascade Music Festival in Bend, Oregon, and the Teton Music Festival in Jackson, Wyoming. His commitment to professional development led him to participate in conducting workshops sponsored by the American Symphony Orchestra League.
Furthermore, Wheeler served on the faculty of prestigious programs such as Tulsa Summer Arts, the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain, and the Inspiration Point Fine Arts Colony in Arkansas. In recognition of his immense contributions to music and education, Wheeler was honored as an honorary member of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity as a National Arts Associate. His accolades culminated in January 2013, when he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Oklahoma Music Educators Association.
