About Us
PERMIAN ORCHESTRA
... was founded in 1959 when Permian High School first opened its doors. Under the skillful direction of J.R. McEntyre, the program quickly gained a solid reputation for musical excellence that has endured for half a century. The Symphony Orchestra has received Sweepstakes at UIL Concert and Sightreading Contest for a consecutive 51 years! The Symphony, Philharmonic and Chamber Strings have each achieved individual success at festivals across the nation. Our groups have been named “Best in Class” and “Overall Outstanding Orchestra” at competitions in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. The Permian Symphony has been selected as the TMEA State Honor Orchestra twice; once in 1980, and again in 1984. The Symphony has also been invited to perform at the prestigious Midwest Clinic: An International Band and Orchestra Conference in December of 1985. The Permian Orchestra Program has had only five head directors in its storied history: J.R. McEntyre (1959-1972), Charles Nail (1972-1989), Kathy Fishburn (1989-1999), David Golden (1999-2008) and now Todd Berridge (2008-present).
THE SATIN STRINGS
... are an elite strolling ensemble whose members are selected from the Permian Orchestra by competitive audition. Since 1988, the year it was founded, The Satin Strings have received Sweepstakes every year at UIL Concert & Sightreading Contest. Students are chosen for membership based on character, musical ability, dedication and academic achievement. This group of highly motivated musicians performs as a community service organization promoting the fine arts all throughout West Texas and the nation. The Satin Strings have been honored to represent Permian High School, the ECISD, Odessa and the State of Texas at events around the nation and around the world. Here is a sample of these honored events: • The National Federation Music Clubs Convention in Philadelphia, PA • The Texas Music Educators Association Convention in San Antonio • The 1994 events Honoring the 50th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France • The events of the 1997 Presidential Inauguration in Washington D.C. • The events of the 1998 Gubernatorial Inauguration in Chihuahua City, Mexico • The events of the 2001 Presidential Inauguration in Washington D.C. • The 2003 Tournament of Roses President’s Banquet honoring conductor/composer John Williams • The events of the 2005 Presidential Inauguration in Washington D.C. • Represent Texas in June of 2005 at the American Celebration of Music in Italy • The events of the 2012 St. Patrick's Day in Limerick, Galway, & Dublin, Ireland • The events of the 2014 Pan American Festival in Hololulu, Hawaii • The events of the 150 Celebrations in Canada • The Stirling Bridge Festival in Scotland & England • Tour of Austria, Germany, and The Czech Republic
