“Lois Fees, a professional violinist who played for more than 60 years with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and its predecessors, died Sunday at age 82,” writes Rick Rogers on Friday (7/15) in The Oklahoman. “ ‘We are all shocked and saddened at Lois’s passing,’ said Eddie Walker, the Philharmonic’s executive director. ‘A legacy of service and teaching like hers is rare, and she takes with her a remarkable treasure of memories.’ ” Fees joined the orchestra in 1951 while still in college. “During her six decades of orchestral playing, Fees witnessed countless changes, including two hall renovations, three orchestra name changes, a musicians strike and six music directors. Fees earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Oklahoma City University and a music master’s degree from the University of Michigan. In addition to her work as an orchestral musician, Fees taught strings for 35 years in the Oklahoma City school district. ‘The orchestra was her life, but she was also an absolutely amazing teacher,’ said Barbara Messenbaugh, friend and fellow violinist.” Fees is survived by “several nieces, nephews and cousins.”
Posted July 18, 2016
