February 8, 2024
SWOSU Press Release
The Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Department of Music has announced a special event featuring Christopher Adkins, Principal Cellist of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Adkins’ guest appearance, scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 14, will include a masterclass and workshop, ending with a free recital.
Event schedule:
3 p.m.: String Masterclass, Berrong Music Hall (BMH) 101
4 p.m.: Workshop, BMH101
7 p.m.: Recital with Dr. Sophie Hung, Piano, BMH101
Christopher Adkins, a distinguished musician, received his training at the University of North Texas and Yale University under the guidance of Aldo Parisot. Adkin’s impressive career includes serving as the principal cellist with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra in 1987, a position once held by his former teacher, Lev Aronson.
Apart from his orchestral commitments, Adkins is a faculty member at Southern Methodist University, and he has garnered acclaim for his performances across the region as an accomplished recitalist and chamber musician. As the long-time cellist of the contemporary music group Voices of Change, Mr. Adkins was nominated for a Grammy award for the recording “Voces Americanas.”
This guest artist residency is made possible by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Principal Chair Endowment Program, supporting guest artist recitals at National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)-accredited programs across Texas and surrounding states. To date, the program has underwritten recitals at 54 separate institutions across the region.
The recital is free and open to the public! For further information, please contact Dr. Alex Lee at alex.lee@swosu.edu.
About SWOSU Department of Music
SWOSU includes one of Oklahoma’s largest music schools—one of established excellence. The Department of Music is one of the region’s largest and finest music schools. The excellent quality of training offered at SWOSU is demonstrated daily by the hundreds of graduates now working in Oklahoma and throughout the United States. SWOSU’s Department of Music works with students to achieve their personal best regardless of their musical goals. Students study with superb musicians committed to their academic and musical advancement. With individual training customized to meet each need, SWOSU’s Department of Music provides students with educational and performance opportunities to put them on the path to musical success.
SWOSU offers a full range of scholarships and financial aid to university students. For information about scholarships, contact Dr. Shelly Martinson, Chair of the Department of Music, at 580-774-3708 or shelley.martinson@swosu.edu.
Copyright 2023 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
SWOSU to Host 38th Alpha Mu Gamma National Convention
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) will host the 38th National Convention of Alpha Mu Gamma, the National Collegiate Languages Honor Society, from March 5–7, 2026. The event will bring together students, faculty, and language
Man Arrested After Alleged Police Chase Near Sayre
Beckham County, OK – An Elk City man is facing felony charges following an alleged pursuit and arrest near Sayre on Sunday, Jan. 4. According to court records, Kevin Lanell Scott, 36, was arrested after authorities attempted
SWOSU Staff Council Recognizes Staff for 435 Years of Combined Service
Weatherford, OK – Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) staff members were recognized Thursday, Jan. 8 during the 2026 Staff Day for a combined 435 years of service to the university. This collective total represents decades of commitment
Authorities Seeking Help in Missing Clinton Girl Case
Clinton, OK – A 15 year old girl is missing from the Clinton area, and authorities are asking for the public’s help. Amberlyn Blackwell was last seen at approximately 7:06 a.m. on December 29, 2025. Police say
Elk City Chamber Celebrates Leadership and Service at Annual Banquet
Elk City, OK – The Elk City Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Chamber Banquet Tuesday night, bringing together local leaders, businesses, and community members for an evening focused on leadership, service, and the community’s future. During
Elk City Police Facility Near Completion, Awaiting Next Generation 911 Installation
Elk City, OK – Elk City Police Chief John Cook says the department is essentially finished with its long awaited police and fire facility project, with one major piece still pending before full occupancy. The final step
SWOSU to Host 56th Annual Jazz Festival in February 2026
Weatherford, OK – The Department of Music at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) will host the 56th Annual SWOSU Jazz Festival on February 19–20, 2026 in Weatherford. This festival is open to the public and will feature
High Speed Fiber Internet Goes Live in Burns Flat and Granite
Western Oklahoma – High speed fiber internet is now live for residents and businesses in and around Burns Flat and Granite, marking a major step forward for connectivity in western Oklahoma. Two broadband expansion projects serving Washita
Deputy Arrests Driver After Near Miss on I-40
Beckham County, OK – A weekend traffic stop on Interstate 40 nearly turned dangerous for a Beckham County deputy and ended with a drug related DUI arrest, according to Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning. Sheriff Manning said
Sayre man charged in vehicle theft investigation
Sayre, OK – A Sayre man has been charged in Beckham County District Court with larceny of a motor vehicle following an investigation that began just before Christmas. According to a probable cause affidavit, Kyle Lowell Minchey,
Deadline to Request Absentee Ballot for February 10th Election Approaches
Cheyenne, OK – Voters in Roger Mills County who want absentee ballots mailed to them for the February 10th Merritt School District Election should apply now, County Election Board Secretary Kelly Tice said today. Absentee ballots are
Three Defendants Sentenced Following Plea Hearings in Childress County District Court
Childress County, TX – On Thursday, December 11, 26 pleas were entered in the 100th Judicial District Court in Childress County. The cases were prosecuted by District Attorney Luke Inman and Assistant District Attorney Harley Caudle. Judge
Moore Says Budget Hearings Will Shape Final Weeks of January at the Capitol
Oklahoma City, OK — Oklahoma House Speaker Pro-Tem Anthony Moore says the next three weeks at the State Capitol will be critical in shaping budget decisions and policy priorities for the upcoming legislative session. Moore, who represents
John Cook Sworn In as New Elk City Police Chief
Elk City, OK – Following the retirement of longtime Elk City Police Chief Eddie Holland, the City of Elk City has officially named John Cook as its new Police Chief. Cook was sworn in on Dec. 31
Beckham County Sees Calm Holiday Season, Fewer Serious Incidents Reported
Beckham County, OK – Beckham County law enforcement saw a relatively calm holiday season this year, with fewer serious incidents than in years past, according to Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning. Manning said the county avoided weather
Reckless Driver Arrested After Interstate Pursuit in Beckham County
Beckham County, OK – A reckless driving incident on Interstate 40 ended with an arrest after a brief pursuit and canine deployment Tuesday in Beckham County, according to Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning. The incident began near
City of Erick Awarded Nearly $40,000 to Boost Wildfire Response
Washington D.C. – The City of Erick is receiving new federal funding to strengthen its local wildfire response capabilities. The U.S. Department of the Interior announced more than $5 million in nationwide funding through its Slip on
Voter Registration Deadline Approaches
Cheyenne, OK – Friday, January 16th, is the last day to apply for voter registration in order to be eligible to vote in the February 10th Merritt School District Special Election, Roger Mills County Election Board Secretary
PSO Requests Rate Hike That Could Raise Electric Bills 15%
Tulsa, OK – Public Service Company of Oklahoma has gone public with a new rate hike request filed with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission that could increase customer electric bills by about 15% if approved. The request follows
ODOT Updates Clinton I-40 Interchange Project, Approves Engineering Contracts and Bridge Improvements
Oklahoma City, OK – The Oklahoma Transportation Commission met Monday morning, receiving updates on major highway projects and approving several engineering contracts and bridge improvements across the state. Oklahoma Transportation Commission members heard from Oklahoma Department of
Forecasters Warn Western Oklahoma Could Face Early, Widespread Wildfire Threat in 2026
Western Oklahoma – Western Oklahoma could be facing another dangerous wildfire season as early as January, with forecasters warning conditions may be worse and more widespread than last year. Predictors with the National Interagency Fire Center say
Man accused of orchestrating forged check scheme from Beckham County Jail
Sayre, OK – A Sayre man is facing multiple felony charges after investigators say he organized a forged check scheme from inside the Beckham County Jail, allegedly directing others to obtain and use stolen checks to secure
Ball and Weatherly Pin SWOSU Graduates
Weatherford, OK – A former Elk City teacher and a long-time Elk City businessman and civic leader recognized new alumni at the recent Southwestern Oklahoma State University fall graduation ceremony in Weatherford. Sue Ball, Basil Weatherly, and
Kiowa Road Wildfire Burns More Than 300 Acres, No Structures Lost
Roger Mills County, OK – A wildfire burning near Kiowa Road in Roger Mills County scorched more than 300 acres of pasture land Tuesday afternoon before crews were able to bring it largely under control. According to
2025 Marked by Tragedy, Change, and Community Milestones Across Western Oklahoma
Western Oklahoma – From winter through late fall, 2025 delivered major headlines across western Oklahoma, including fatal crashes, a high-profile murder trial, a large-scale hazmat emergency, and significant changes at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, alongside Route 66
