Brenda Wagner recently retired after a distinguished 40-year career teaching public school orchestra. She began her teaching journey in the Oklahoma City Public Schools before spending the last 35 years with the Norman Public Schools. For the past 28 years, she served as the Orchestra Director at Norman North High School, where her ensembles earned an impressive 27 State Sweepstakes Awards. In addition, she dedicated 22 years as the district’s Orchestra Coordinator.
Throughout her career, Ms. Wagner has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including “50 Directors Who Make a Difference” for the State of Oklahoma by the School Band and Orchestra Magazine, Oklahoma Music Educator of the Year by the National Federation of High Schools, Exemplary Teacher by the Oklahoma Music Educators Association, and in 2025 the Oklahoma Educator Award for Excellence in Arts Education. She is also listed in Who’s Who of American Women, Who’s Who in America, and Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.
Ms. Wagner holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Oklahoma and a Master of Music Education degree from the University of Central Oklahoma.
Ms. Wagner is a violinist and performs regularly as a member of various orchestral and chamber music groups. She has also made several European tours with various ensembles. Her professional memberships include NAfME, OkMEA, ASTA, and the American Federation of Musicians.
