In Memoriam
The young men and women of The Ozark Philharmonic Youth Orchestra are our greatest assets, representing some of the most dedicated, talented and gifted musicians in Northwest Arkansas and South Western Missouri. They have shared the gift of their music and given wings to our souls, and on this page we pay homage to those who have passed away. Please share any memories that you may have so that we may keep their memory close to our hearts forever.
REBEKAH WARREN
IT IS WITH A HEAVY HEART THAT WE SAY GOODBYE TO REBEKAH WARREN AN OPYO ALUM. SHE WAS A STUDENT AT UMKC, AN ASSISTANT COACH, AND LOVED TO PLAY THE VIOLA AS WELL AS THE VIOLIN. SHE STOPPED BY AT OUR CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT HORTON FARMS IN DECEMBER TO CHEER HER FELLOW MUSICIANS ON, AND WE NEVER SAW HER WITHOUT A SMILE ON HER FACE. SHE WILL BE MISSED AND WE SEND HER FAMILY OUR LOVE AND SUPPORT DURING THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME. SERVICES FOR REBEKAH WILL BE THIS FRIDAY, JANUARY 29TH, AT 3:30 PM AT ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH IN FAYETTEVILLE. AN OPYO MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP HAS BEEN SET UP IN REBEKAH'S NAME. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A DONATION TO THE REBEKAH WARREN MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP FUND YOU MAY SEND CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE OPYO PARENTS GUILD VIA THE PAYPAL DONATE BUTTON.
IT IS WITH A HEAVY HEART THAT WE SAY GOODBYE TO REBEKAH WARREN AN OPYO ALUM. SHE WAS A STUDENT AT UMKC, AN ASSISTANT COACH, AND LOVED TO PLAY THE VIOLA AS WELL AS THE VIOLIN. SHE STOPPED BY AT OUR CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT HORTON FARMS IN DECEMBER TO CHEER HER FELLOW MUSICIANS ON, AND WE NEVER SAW HER WITHOUT A SMILE ON HER FACE. SHE WILL BE MISSED AND WE SEND HER FAMILY OUR LOVE AND SUPPORT DURING THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME. SERVICES FOR REBEKAH WILL BE THIS FRIDAY, JANUARY 29TH, AT 3:30 PM AT ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH IN FAYETTEVILLE. AN OPYO MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP HAS BEEN SET UP IN REBEKAH'S NAME. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A DONATION TO THE REBEKAH WARREN MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP FUND YOU MAY SEND CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE OPYO PARENTS GUILD VIA THE PAYPAL DONATE BUTTON.
"I remember Rebekah for two things: her attitude and her talent. She laughed at everything; sometimes I would just make eye contact with her from across the room in orchestra and she would start cracking up. She played violin so effortlessly, but the viola might as well have been an extension of her body. I have a very distinct memory of walking into the Performing Arts section of Fayetteville High School only to see Rebekah playing the viola right inside. She played an excerpt from a piece I didn't recognize, but that didn't matter. She played it with so much soul and grace. My stand partner was standing next to me and after Rebekah left the room, we made eye contact and I knew we were thinking the exact same thing. We both knew that Rebekah was born with something that not everyone is born with.
An incredible friend, musician, sister, daughter, and person has left us and there's nothing that can change or replace that. It saddens me to think of what she could've done if she'd just given herself more time. I'll never stop missing her and I'll never stop being sad over losing someone so amazing. I love you, Rebekah."
"I didn't know her that well. I did violin with her and my brother ran cross country with her. One time my Dad even caught her before she hit the ground from passing out at a cross country practice. Every time I saw her she was always with MaryRose and Jacob smiling. I never saw her without a smile on her face. It was so easy to make her laugh. She was one of those people who could light up the whole room with her laugh. I can still see her beautiful smile standing by MaryRose and Jacob holding her violin and laughing. Everytime I think of her that's what I see, and I can't help but smile. Ever since I saw her smile I wanted that smile it was so contagiouse. Thank you for being you, you will be missed by all those who saw you and your beautiful smile. "
"My first concert in NWA was with the North Arkansas All-Region Orchestra. Who was that luminous violist in the front? The one with the smile that never quit who was warming up with the music and smiling up at me? What was the name of that young musician who watched, marked her music, and turned around to make sure her section did, too? I learned her name when she came up at intermission to tell me she was enjoying the rehearsal so much. Her face was flushed, a few hairs were plastered with sweat to her face because she was playing so hard and focusing so intently. I thanked HER, this Rebekah something, for being such an attentive, caring, committed musician and person. I thanked her for the charge she gave me and to her section, and to the whole group. And at the next OPYO rehearsal, who shows up to join our band - yep, Rebekah Warren, bringing along her infectious happiness, and lighting up our music making and our lives. Yes, it was our beloved, never-ever to be forgotten Rebekah." Mr. Barg
"Every time I saw Rebekah she would throw her arms around me in an embrace and make me laugh so hard that I wanted to cry. She filled some of the most difficult times of my life with laughter and love, unconditionally. I will never forget her. She taught me and many others to live compassionately and without restraint, and the power of laughter. 6 years of her laughter, love, and generosity has changed me forever and I will never be the same."
"I have to say my greatest memory of Rebekah was her laugh. It was so contagious and you couldn't help but laugh with her. She had such a big heart. She is so greatly missed."
