Connor Blakely

“[I’m excited for Tulsa Sings! because I’ll get to] sing with a real orchestra all alone! It’ll be the first time and I’m incredibly nervous, but mostly excited. My parents met singing opera together and raised their children to play piano and sing, so essentially my whole life has been music. We used to stay up late together huddled around the piano singing jazz standards and show tunes. Those are some of my most magical memories.

When I’m not singing, I’m usually at the piano writing music or arranging. When I’m [not doing music], I’m usually creating memories with friends or family out on the town. My day job is being a server, but that’s temporary until I get my music education degree.

My favorite thing about Tulsa that people might not know about is the rich and vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Being a part of it, you get to see that there’s a side of Tulsa filled with beautiful artists, musicians, amazing advocacy and so much more. I can only hope to add to the great things my community has done and continue to uplift each other.”

Anna Colletto

“I moved [to Tulsa in June] to follow my passion for education writing. You’ll find me at school board meetings and after-school clubs writing for the Tulsa Flyer, a new news outlet! It’s been a while since I had the confidence to perform solo, but part of my post-grad, new-city goals include getting out of my comfort zone and doing more of what I love. I’m excited to share my joy for singing with my new city.

[The music I can’t live without is] choral music! Singing with others brings me endless peace. Bringing people together amid their busy lives to study and practice week after week is no easy feat. But the connection that comes in a performance makes it endlessly worth it. This summer, I was very blessed to travel with the University of Missouri choral program to Italy. Our concert in Assisi, inside the Basilica of Saint Francis, was one of the most magical and meaningful performance experiences I’ve ever had. I’ll treasure the memories made singing there forever!

When I’m off the clock, I’m exploring Tulsa’s hiking trails, volunteering, breaking out a new recipe, or visiting my partner in Minneapolis.”

PJ Cooke

“I’ve been singing since I was very young in church. My Dad played guitar and sang in honky tonks while I was growing up, and my grandparents took us to church. I have three sisters who also sing. My Mom couldn’t sing a note, but she was very proud of us.

I have spent so much of my adult life taking care of my family and helping at church, that sometimes I forget there are other things about me, haha. [Tulsa Sings! is] an opportunity for me to do something that I like, and maybe learn some new things, get some positive feedback, and stretch my ability. I also love hearing other people sing, and appreciate what they bring to the table.

[I have a few favorite memories involving music;] I adored singing lullabies to my children when they were babies – especially in the middle of the night. They still remember that. I love going to zoos and aquariums. Years ago I went to the San Antonio Zoo with my daughter and her two boys and started singing Baby Mine in front of the elephant enclosure, and one of the elephants loved it, gently swaying along.”

Misty Dawn Hudgins

“Music has always been a part of who I am. I am the daughter of ministers, and music was a very big part of the family ministry. When I was 13, I received a standing ovation [at a school concert], and realized I was good at singing. [Tulsa Sings! is an] opportunity to share my voice with Tulsa and to know that even at my age you can still chase a dream.

In 2002, I was chosen to perform at the Oklahoma Opry. My dad had been diagnosed with terminal cancer [a few months prior]. I chose to sing No Place That Far, by Sara Evans. My Dad, [who could not travel], told me he would be with me in spirit. On the way to OKC, we received word that my dad had passed away. I chose to sing that night because I knew my Dad was with me. It is the greatest and most precious performance of my life and one that will always hold a place in my heart.

I am the Lifestyle Director for a Senior Living community. I hold three degrees and am a Certified Dementia Practitioner. When I am not working, I spend time at home with my family and two grandchildren.”

Abby Letney

“Music has always been a part of my life. My parents both grew up singing and playing piano; my dad accompanied his school choir and [was] a music minister, and my mom was involved in band and choir throughout high school. Music is always playing in our house. Some of my favorite musical memories include getting to sing around the piano with my family at home and harmonizing to Coldplay in the car. Those moments remind me that music isn’t just about performing; it’s about connection and being together.

I’m excited to sing with the orchestra [at Tulsa Sings!] again! Performing with the symphony last year was such an incredible experience, and I loved hearing how the music came alive around me. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to do it again!!!

When I’m not singing, I’m a freshman in high school! I love spending time with my friends, traveling, serving in Student Council, and volunteering with my church. You can also find me at dance class, piano lessons, theater rehearsals, or trying to catch any local shows that I can!”

Nick Scharf

“[I got into music when] I participated in a Jenks High School show choir clinic when I was in 3rd grade and in one of their musicals in 5th grade. I started taking voice and acting lessons after that. In 6th grade, I also joined the Jenks band as a saxophonist.

[Some of my favorite musical memories are] singing with the Signature Symphony at Tulsa Sings! in 2025 and in [The Snowman] in December. I was also excited to win the Big Show O! in 2025 . Another favorite memory involves participating in two professional musical theatre productions.

Singing with a live orchestra is amazing and I am very excited to do it again!

I am a busy 9th grader at Jenks High School, where I am involved in the show choir and in the band as a saxophone player. I also participate in musical theatre productions and play tennis.

[One fun fact about me is that] I was born in Germany and have dual citizenship (U.S. and Germany), and I was raised bilingual.”

James Taber

“I grew up singing in church, show choir, musicals, and different events in the Tulsa area. My older brother Trent, has always been involved in music. I remember seeing how much fun he’d be having on stage, and I knew that performing is what I wanted to do.

[My favorite memory with music is] going to show choir nationals with the Jenks Trojanaires my senior year of high school. It was really rewarding working so hard to put a great show together. [During Tulsa Sings!], I’m the most excited to get to work with really talented musicians and instructors. I think all of the knowledge we’ll gain during this experience will be absolutely priceless.

I work full-time in Tulsa doing industrial work, but the dream is definitely music. When I’m not singing, you can find me disc golfing, hiking, or really anything outdoors. Recently, my girlfriend and I have been getting into collecting vinyl. We stumbled into Studio Records on accident, and we’ve been obsessed since. It feels like a music time capsule, and we keep learning more about artists that we wouldn’t have otherwise.”

Natalie Grace Taylor

“Music is intertwined in every aspect of my life. I grew up in a musical family, singing at church, on roadtrips, and around the house. My parents supported me with voice lessons and my music degree. I met my partner when we performed in a musical together. We have [since] done several shows together and sing together often at home. I often perform with theatre companies around town and support friends who are putting on their own shows. I’m so excited for the opportunity to perform with the Signature Symphony and to share the stage with some of Tulsa’s best singers and performers!

I love Tulsa, and its vibrant city life while still holding on to that small town feeling. I simultaneously feel like I know everyone here, and that I meet someone new every day. There is always something to do, whether it’s seeing a show at the PAC, watching a game at the Driller’s stadium, grabbing co!ee, watching a movie at the Admiral Twin, walking around Mother Road Market, or just meeting strangers in the street who become life long friends. Tulsa is the beating heart of Oklahoma and I’m proud to call it home.”