Friday, September 30, 2011

Symphonic Safari 2012


The jungle was alive with kids and music as Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra sent the audience on a safari through the arts on Saturday, September 24. Held on the Center for the Arts Plaza in downtown Gresham, SYMPHONIC SAFARI featured interactive arts booths and a live performance of Peter & The Wolf and more.

And the highlight of the day was the safari through the orchestra as it played!

This jungle man enjoyed face painting and balloon twisting.

The ZAP team from the Oregon Zoo brought along some real live ANIMALS. Cool . . .
These twins are right in style showing how it gets done on the xylophone!

These young artists made little tiny animal sculptures from clay.

Some of the martial arts experts in the crowd tried their hand at twisting dog balloons as well.
A'wild animal' volunteer from the Gresham High School Drama Department.

This FREE family friendly event takes place each year on the Center for the Arts Plaza in downtown Gresham immediately following the annual Teddy Bear Parade on the fourth Saturday in September.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

BBQ & Boules (Petanque)


Our 2011 Gala Dinner Auction yielded some interesting French related auction items this year.

Check out the BBQ dinner and Petanque at the home of Pat & Pat Brothers in Bridal Veil, Oregon.

The French game of Petanque is played with silver boules in a similar manner as the Italian game of bocce ball or the American game of horseshoes.

Cheerleading is just a important as playing the game. And measuring becomes a BIG deal!

Just one of the great ways you too can support the Portland Columbia Symphony ~ Purchase auction items at our annual events and have a great party with friends and family!

Monday, April 18, 2011

We Have a Winner . . . . .

On Friday, April 15, 2011 at 9:00 a.m., Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra gave away a 2011 Ford Mustang Convertible!


Executive Director Betsy Hatton takes a look at the drum full of 1800+ tickets.

And the lucky winner is Barb Malcom of Gladstone. "Oh my. Thank you very much. I'm so excited."
Bess Wills of Gresham Ford draws the winning stub as ED Betsy Hatton and Board President Cindy Passannante look on.


Barb Malcom gets the keys to her new Ford Mustang!

The drawing was the culmination of nine months of hard work by the board members, staff, and players to sell 3000 tickets to help raise funds to support the orchestra's music making. Ms. Malcom purchased her $20 ticket just the week before and says she'll definitely be coming to our concerts in the future.

Congratulations Barb and a hearty thank you to everyone who purchased tickets to support PCSO.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Honoring Cindy Passannante



Gresham Chamber Event on February 1, 2011


The Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra is proud to celebrate its volunteer of the year!

And t
he 2011 Golden Note Award goes to . . . . .


Cindy Passannante, Board President!


Cindy Passannante is probably known to all of you because she is currently serving on five community non-profit boards in addition to running her own business and teaching a tourism class at Mt. Hood Community College. She also enjoys an active family life with her husband Tony, children, and grandchildren.


Tony and Cindy


Cindy brings passion, commitment, and tireless energy to our organization as President of the Board. She not only enjoys our music but particularly values how the shared experience of attending a live classical orchestra concert bonds friends,

families, and community together. Thank you Cindy, for your creative ideas, keen interest in building relationships, and for working tirelessly on a thin budget for the Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra. We appreciate everything you do for us and for this community−you make a huge difference. Thank you!