Marvellena Scott grew up playing piano.

It’s a lifelong passion she’s shared at church, at home - wherever the sound of music could brighten someone’s day.

But the Okarche resident always wondered what it might be like to play with an orchestra.

Last spring, Scott’s family friend, Donna Reid, reached out to the Oklahoma City Philharmonic with a simple request.

“The years are passing fast,” she wrote. “Is there any way you can help make Marvellena’s dream come true?”

And just like that, the wheels were set in motion.

“That letter immediately struck a chord, as our mission is to provide inspiration and joy for the community through orchestral music,” said Brent Hart, OKCPHIL executive director.

“I discussed the request with several members of our team and we identified a date in the fall with the beautiful Liszt Piano Concerto No. 1. It was a pleasure to host Mr. and Mrs. Scott for a behind-the-scenes look at the rehearsal and be a small part of creating a special musical memory.”

On a warm evening in early October, Scott traveled to Oklahoma City’s Civic Center Music Hall to watch a rehearsal. Her husband Kermit came along, with Reid, Reid’s mother Virginia Petty and Reid’s husband Mike Reid.

“When I first told Marvellena, she was like ‘We really get to do that?’” Reid said with a laugh.

“We were all amazed at the generosity of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic to make this happen. And when we arrived, we entered through the stage door and were treated so special!”

Scott declined the invitation to go on stage, opting to sit with her husband and friends and watch the rehearsal.

“Marvellena said she never knew this could happen,” Reid said. “It was truly the thrill of a lifetime.”

( Ed. note: Mark Beutler, a Cashion native, is the director of marketing and public relations of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic.)