Catherine Reaves – Violinist, Contractor & Consultant
Cathy Reaves
Catherine (Cathy) Reaves started her violin studies at the age of 10 in DeLand, Florida. As there was no public school string program offered, she began her orchestral training with the Stetson University Orchestra at the age of 11. This opportunity fostered her desire to pursue a career as an orchestral violinist. She attended Stetson University, graduating with a Bachelor of Music Education in 1976, having served as concertmaster for the university orchestra her Junior and Senior years. Cathy received her Master of Music in Violin Performance from the University of Northern Colorado in 1978. The next two years were spent in Belo Horizonte, Brazil as a member of the Orquestra Sinfonica de Minas Gerais.
Moving to Oklahoma City in 1981, Cathy joined the Oklahoma Symphony as an extra musician and established a private violin studio. She began playing with the Lawton Philharmonic in1982 and won the position of Principal Second Violin in 1984. Cathy has been a member of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic since its inception in 1989 and currently serves as its Assistant Principal Second Violin. She also serves as Principal Second Violin with the Norman Philharmonic. In addition to her busy performing schedule, Cathy also maintains a studio of gifted young violinists.
Cathy is proud of the role the Mid-America String Quartet has played in the Oklahoma City Orchestra League’s “We’ve Got Rhythm” program since 1996. This educational program helps introduce local school children to classical music with visits by the quartet to area elementary schools. In addition to her work as a performer, Cathy is also a respected musical contractor in the Central Oklahoma area, working with many churches and other organizations, as well as National Touring events, such as Weird Al Yankovic's "Strings Attached" Symphony Tour held at the OKC Zoo Amphitheater.
Cathy has been a member of the Mid-America String Quartet since the mid-1980’s, performing alongside her husband Mike. In addition to her role as a violinist, Cathy has also served behind the scenes, for many years, assisting Mike with the business end of the quartet. After Mike left the quartet in 2016, Cathy assumed the position of contractor and consultant and enjoys her duties as the contact person for the group and helping clients in planning the music for their weddings, or other special events.
Moving to Oklahoma City in 1981, Cathy joined the Oklahoma Symphony as an extra musician and established a private violin studio. She began playing with the Lawton Philharmonic in1982 and won the position of Principal Second Violin in 1984. Cathy has been a member of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic since its inception in 1989 and currently serves as its Assistant Principal Second Violin. She also serves as Principal Second Violin with the Norman Philharmonic. In addition to her busy performing schedule, Cathy also maintains a studio of gifted young violinists.
Cathy is proud of the role the Mid-America String Quartet has played in the Oklahoma City Orchestra League’s “We’ve Got Rhythm” program since 1996. This educational program helps introduce local school children to classical music with visits by the quartet to area elementary schools. In addition to her work as a performer, Cathy is also a respected musical contractor in the Central Oklahoma area, working with many churches and other organizations, as well as National Touring events, such as Weird Al Yankovic's "Strings Attached" Symphony Tour held at the OKC Zoo Amphitheater.
Cathy has been a member of the Mid-America String Quartet since the mid-1980’s, performing alongside her husband Mike. In addition to her role as a violinist, Cathy has also served behind the scenes, for many years, assisting Mike with the business end of the quartet. After Mike left the quartet in 2016, Cathy assumed the position of contractor and consultant and enjoys her duties as the contact person for the group and helping clients in planning the music for their weddings, or other special events.
