Other Things of Note

Symphonic Safari 2012

2011-09-30T10:32:00.000-07:00

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.

BBQ & Boules (Petanque)

2011-09-07T16:09:00.000-07:00

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!

We Have a Winner . . . . .

2011-04-18T16:21:00.000-07:00

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.

Honoring Cindy Passannante

2011-02-07T10:01:00.001-08:00

Gresham Chamber Event on February 1, 2011

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

And the 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!

Holiday Greetings from the Maestro

2010-12-17T14:10:00.000-08:00

To all my Portland Columbia Symphony Friends,

My memories are varied and copious—most I will keep very private. The Holidays are a special time, though increasingly stressful it seems, and as I get older I become more nostalgic about Christmases from my childhood; Christmas is about the birth of a child and it brings out the child in us. I must admit, the Holidays start so early over here! Back in Britain we don’t have Thanksgiving a month before, so Christmas starts much later, when schools break up and often folks only put up their tree on Christmas Eve. (Need I remind you the “Twelve Days of Christmas” only start on Christmas Day!) I do like hearing carols as several of them may be the only universal folk music we now possess.

So, some salient and vivid memories are: seeing my grandparents and parents get up at about 5 AM on Christmas morning once my big brother and I were given permission (after much nagging) to run downstairs and open our presents; my sleep-deprived and dressing gown-clad grandfather always made a tray of tea for the oldies! I recall going around the neighborhood on Christmas Eve singing carols with a friend from the St. Paul’s choir (Simon Dean); we especially appreciated it when some homes would give us 50 pence to sod off! Going for a walk with my dad late on Christmas afternoon—after our epicurean feast and watching the annual Queen’s speech to the Commonwealth on the BBC—when it was dark and invariably drizzling, and walking by houses with their festive lights and decorations wondering what their Christmas Day traditions were like. Being in the spacious York Minster one year for a Carol Service; for once I almost felt like I was in the manger with the baby Jesus. My Scottish friend Spence Meighan (so dearly missed) giving a cozy, fireside reading of poetry and prose inspired by the Season (T.S. Eliot, G. Manly Hopkins, Thomas Hardy, Dickens etc). His rendition of Robert Louis Stevenson’s ballad Christmas at Sea was scalp-tingling, with its prophetic closing line, “But all that I could think of, in the darkness and the cold, was just that I was leaving home and my folks were growing old.” Walking around Vienna one year on December 22 & 23 was truly moving, and I also can never forget one Christmas when I was plagued with a painful inflammation of the pharynx; my Christmas dinner was turkey soup through a straw—a tragedy as my mum’s Yuletide cooking is a joy to behold!

Ah yes, Christmas does conjure up many indelible memories and emotions; it is, indeed, a special time. It is hard being away from home at Christmas, there is definitely a gravitational pull about it for an expatriate, so I get more nostalgic by the year. But, sadly, nostalgia is just not what it used to be…

Huw Edwards, Music Director & Conductor

A Holiday Gift of Music

2010-12-17T13:07:00.001-08:00

Our Holiday Gift to you: Peter & The Wolf with puppets from Tears of Joy AND the joyous voices of the Portland Symphonic Girlchoir.

Your Holiday Gift to us: Great artwork from school children and a very full house attending the concert.

Happy Holidays from all of us at Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra!

Brad Hochhalter, Principal Oboe

2010-12-07T15:13:00.000-08:00

Few musicians have such devotion to PCSO as principal oboe player Brad Hochhalter. When his full time job at Kaiser moved him to the Bay area, Brad commuted weekly to PCSO rehearsals and concerts.

Read James Bash' great story at Oregon Music News on Brad's commitment to making quality music with PCSO.

Thanks Brad - - - we appreciate you!

We Appreciate Our Patrons, Donors, & Supporters

2010-11-23T16:56:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, November 21 we gathered for an afternoon of wine and hors d'oeuvres at the home of Cliff and Karen Deveney to say thank you to our wonderful supporters and friends. Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra is in its 29th concert season because of the generosity of its audience, the Board of Directors, and community members who faithfully support it.

We simply cannot say it enough: Thank you very much!

Special musical guests Jessica Carter (5) on the violin, Caitlyn Koester (16) on the piano, and Amy Natzke (PCSO Assistant Concertmaster) entertained the patrons. Once again, it is clear that music is a 'sport' you can participate in your entire life.

Art Pillars Dedicated on the Plaza in Gresham

2010-10-27T13:09:00.000-07:00

The 'trumpet' and the 'paintbrush'!

Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra extends its congratulations to the Center for the Arts Foundation for completing the next phase of the arts plaza in downtown Gresham. On hand to celebrate the occasion were the musicians of the Portland Brass Quintet (PCSO members Greg Scholl on Trombone and Allan Stromquist on horn).

The 'paintbrush'

The four art pillars were designed and constructed by Seattle artist Claudia Fitch. They represent the four major art fields: performing arts, music, visual arts, literary arts.

Claudia Fitch talks about the research and design of the four pillars. Note the lovely stained glass piece donated to the Center by a local artist on the occasion of this dedication!

Congratulations to the City of Gresham! PCSO looks forward to the day when a performance hall sits on this site and they are the resident orchestra!

The 'pen wearing a tutu'

Richard Beartoven Conducts

2010-10-12T12:26:00.000-07:00

PCSO Board Member Richard Kiely dresses up at Conductor Beertoven and rides in the 2011 Red Ford Mustang Convertible in the Teddy Bear Parade.

PCSO is selling $20 raffle tickets to win this car . . . . drawing is April 15, 2011. Only 3000 tickets available. Get yours today. Call Donna at 503-658-8363.

MUSIC from the GARDEN

2010-08-30T14:37:00.001-07:00

Over 60 guests joined the board, staff and players of the Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra for a musical afternoon in the lovely gardens of Cindy and Tony Passannante, of Damascus.

Members of the Portland Brass Quintet entertained the crowd while they enjoyed food and ale.

Board Member Ben Kleene wacks the ball through the wicket in croquet.

Concertmaster Dawn Carter and her daughter Katie try their hand and skills with Bocce Ball.

And guests supported the orchestra with their generous bidding in the auctions (wonder if this winner got the winning lottery ticket???).

Dr. John Sygielski (Ski), Mt Hood Community College President, was our auctioneer. He demonstrates the need for the pink purse in the foto below (which by the way, had the $100 in it---congratulations Joan!)

Chamber Camp of Portland

2010-08-04T12:43:00.000-07:00

Over 104 string students of all ages joined together for a week of intense chamber music practicing and performing, July 18-23! Eighteen faculty provided instruction and coaching for the camp, held on the beautiful campus of The University of Portland.

To view more candid photos from camp please visit here (password is musiccamp) and ensemble photos here (password is musiccamp).

Congratulations to all the musicians for a great week of music!

Chamber Camp of Portland Musicians are FINALISTS!

2010-04-13T12:18:00.000-07:00

Two musicians that participated in Chamber Camp of Portland 2009 have been selected as finalist performers for the Metro Arts Inc Young Artists Concert on April 18, 2010.

Pianist JJ Guo and violinist Michael Siess are two of thirteen young musicians featured in this year's concert. Metro Arts Inc holds an annual competition under the direction of Niel DePonte, Principal Percussionist of the Oregon Symphony.

JJ, who is a student of Dorothy Fahlman, will perform the first movement of Mozart’s Concerto for Piano, no.13, K.415 (387b), in C Major.

Michael, who studies with Carol Sindell, will perform a work with pianist Alex Zhu. Michael's mom Stacy Edgar, is a member of the Violin I section of the Portland Columbia Symphony.

Angie Zhang: A Girl to Watch!

2010-02-24T14:56:00.000-08:00

Music Director & Conductor Huw Edwards told the members of the orchestra that Angie Zhang was something special! And after Friday night everybody in the audience knew it too.

Ms. Zhang's complete love for the instrument and the music showed as she "played with intelligence and instinct, letting the lyricism of Chopin’s music sing from the keyboard. Zhang also had plenty of power in the passages that required forte and above. In her hands the Chopin sounded natural, unforced, and completely alive." James Bash, Oregonmusicnews.com

Congratulations on a beautiful performance and best wishes for her continuing success!

A Midwinter Night's Dream - Gala 2010

2010-02-01T12:31:00.000-08:00

We come together once a season for a festive Gala Dinner Concert & Auction. Saturday, January 30 was no exception!

With the theme of things inspired by Shakespeare, over 175 guests joined forces at the Portland Marriott to raise funds to keep Portland Columbia Symphony on the stage for the rest of 2009-2010 season. It's always amazing and heartwarming to see the community come together with such generosity to support the arts. Thanks to Tom Fletcher of the Portland Trailblazers for helping us out.

We also honored our favorite Maestro, Huw Edwards, for his ten years at the podium. Under Huw's leadership, the Orchestra has flourished and matured and inspires musicians and audiences alike. Thank you Huw!

During the Paddle Raise portion of our auction, we were able to offer a dollar-for-dollar match from the Community Fund of Southwest Washington. If you can contribute cash (and take a 100% donation) so we can take full advantage of our Matching Grant by February 15, 2010, please click here:

To view more photos from our event (Barb Parker Photography), click here and select the CSO 2010 Slideshow.

Jennifer Pittsley Honored at Golden Note Award

2010-02-01T10:42:00.000-08:00

Portland Columbia Symphony was proud to honor Jennifer Pittsley as our Volunteer of the Year at the Golden Note Awards on Tuesday, January 26. Jennifer has served CSO in various capacities for the past eleven years, most recently as Board President for three seasons.

The Awards Luncheon is presented by the Gresham Chamber of Commerce as they honor 30 volunteers from area non-profit agencies in the community.

Thank you Jennifer---we love ya!

Coral and Josh Talk Up Shakespeare

2009-11-12T16:12:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the volunteer team at Metro East Community Media, Portland Columbia Symphony was able to promote its upcoming November concerts on the live Community Hotline program. The show can be viewed on Wednesdays, 7 pm LIVE on CH 21; Thursdays, 5 pm on CH 21; Fridays, noon on CH 22; Saturdays, 6 pm on CH 30; Sundays, 7:30 pm on CH30; Mondays, noon on CH 22; Mondays 9 pm on CH 11; Tuesdays, noon on CH 22; Wednesdays, noon on CH 22.

Soprano Coral Walterman and Actor Josh Fuhrer gave us great nibble of the Shakespeare program to come. Tune into the recorded version of the promo spot on the MetroEast site.

And in the words of the Bard the question is "To Be" at the concerts on November 20 & 22!

Touching the Heart - Monday, October 26, 2009

2009-10-28T09:56:00.000-07:00

Over 75 women joined together over a beautiful lunch at the Historic Multnomah Hotel (Embassy Suites) to support CSO's education program, MEET the BEAT.

With a backdrop of pink, the Ladies were treated to the talents of the Yoon Trio (Lauren, Ashley and Taylor) and the vocal dessert of Coral Walterman, who is the guest soloist for the November 20 & 22 concerts of the orchestra.

All the profits from this lovely event
go directly to support all the activities
associated with MEET the BEAT including the upcoming performance of Peter & The Wolf on December 6.

The Ladies of Perkins & Company!

Models Dawn Carter and Camilla Wilson Scott

Auction fun - - - there are couple of great items left that are up for auction until November 15, 2009. See the list here.

The Two Carolyns

2009-10-23T12:18:00.000-07:00

Portland Columbia Symphony's Principal Clarinetist Carolyn Arnquist was featured recently in the Yamhill Valley News Register . Carolyn is a teacher, soloist, and chamber and orchestra musician. She has played continuously with CSO for 27 (count em) seasons!

Thank you Carolyn for sharing your craft with young musicians and with us.

Read Carolyn's complete bio on the CSO Website: columbiasymphony.org

Operations Manager: Note to Self . . . . paying $100 to walk 26.2 miles is NUTS (Fun!)

2009-10-04T16:51:00.000-07:00

Yes, its true, Operations Manager Shelly Williams walked the Portland Marathon finishing at 6:47. Yes, that's six hours and 47 minutes!

Near mile 21 she met up with CSO patron Natcharee Ayanaputra and they finished together! Thanks Natcharee . . . .good job!

Symphonic Safari 2009

2009-09-28T12:57:00.000-07:00

It was a BEAUTIFUL day at the Center for the Arts Plaza where the Columbia Symphony Orchestra held its annual Symphonic Safari!

Children sampled dance, theater, puppets, crafts and an instrument petting zoo.

Then it was time for the SAFARI through the orchestra while they played the music. What fun wild animals!

Thank you to Joe Cantrell for the Photos!

FORE the ARTS Golf Tournament - August 24, 2009

2009-08-25T17:12:00.000-07:00

It was BEAUTIFUL day at Rock Creek Country Club!

68 golfers hit the course for an afternoon scramble benefiting MEET the BEAT, the education program of the Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra.

A big thank you to the players, the hole sponsors, Monte Shelton Motors for the Jaguar at the Hole In One (bummer--nobody won it!), Titleist, and all the auction donors and great volunteers.

Because of your generosity, children, families and individuals served through social service agencies, will MEET the BEAT!

Check out the string quintet of 5 Notes (Ashley, Lauren, Taylor Yoon & Hailey and Lindsey Kang) as they played for the tournament dinner!

Chamber Camp of Portland 2009

2009-08-07T11:23:00.000-07:00

114 students enjoyed a week of Chamber Camp on the campus of the University of Portland. From master classes to ensembles to full orchestra rehearsals. Thank you to the faculty and staff for creating a very fun week! Special thanks to Robert Leong for the great photography. To see more of his work visit: http://www.gallery.me.com/robertleong/100929.

Thank you Jennifer!

2009-08-03T05:59:00.000-07:00

Jennifer A Pittsley completed her tenure as President of the Board of Directors on Sunday, August 2. Jennifer has worked tirelessly on the Board for the last twelve seasons in various capacities. As a CPA, she was the treasurer for two years before managing the front of the house at concerts for several seasons followed by two years as Vice-President and then serving as President for the last three seasons. During Jennifer's service, Portland Columbia grew from a a six-concert series to twelve and from a $125,000 budget to over $300,000.

Our deepest gratitude to Jennifer for a job well done. And with all best wishes to her in all her future plans. Thank you, thank you!

Board President gets Mauied!

2009-03-12T10:05:00.000-07:00

Board President Jennifer Pittsley and John Raitz were married in Hawaii in February. Our best wishes for a long and prosperous future!

ALL THAT GLITTERED

2009-02-05T15:19:00.000-08:00

CSO celebrated its annual Gala Dinner Concert & Auction on January 24, 2009 at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront. Over 200 guests attended the event and raised over $50,000 for the Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra.

Attendees were especially enthralled with violinist Brandon Garbot's magnificent performances in Massenet's "Meditation" and Sarasate's Carmen Fantasy.

Thank you to our Auctioneer Tom Fletcher, Director of Sponsorship with the Portland Trailblazers (pictured below with CSO Executive Director Betsy Hatton), all the Auction Donors, the hard-working CSO Board Members, and generous Patrons for a successful evening of beautiful music and fundraising.

Honoring Marty Hernandez

2009-01-22T05:02:00.000-08:00

CSO was proud to honor one of our faithful volunteers, Marty Hernandez, this week at the Annual Golden Notes Luncheon hosted by the Gresham Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to playing in the orchestra for twenty years, Marty is the self-appointed social coordinator that makes sure birthdays, weddings, graduations, babies are appropriately celebrated with cards, gifts, and parties. She also takes days off of work to help run our fundraising events such as the golf tournament and the annual Gala.

What is so great about Marty is that she does all this without being asked and with such a gracious spirit---Thank you Marty---you are truly an inspiration and we appreciate you!

Just a Little Wolf

2008-12-06T13:56:00.000-08:00

One of the amazing things about live classical music is the opportunity to be transported to another time and place.

Like childhood.

Like listening to the LP or cassette of Peter & The Wolf with the stirring narration of Peter Ustinov or Leonard Bernstein while you danced around the living room.

And new generations of children still get introduced to the instruments, sounds, and the magic of music through this timeless work.

Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra is proud to produce its version of Peter & The Wolf complete with puppets from Tears of Joy as part of their annual Holiday Gift to the community. In case you missed the performance, take a look at the awe and wonder on these faces as they 'pet' the Wolf, bang and blow on instruments in the 'petting zoo', and appreciate original artwork created by students at Concord, Markham, and Woodlawn Schools.

The Portland Strings, under the direction of Camilla Wilson Scott, presented a special pre-concert Christmas Medley. Special musical guests the Encore Singers from the Portland Symphonic Girlchoir joined the orchestra for second half holiday music including a carol singalong.

In this crazy busy season, take some time to let yourself be transported.

The Arts are Good for Business

2008-10-20T10:08:00.000-07:00

Staff members Betsy Hatton and Shelly Williams along with CSO Board Member Katherin Poitras attended the Gresham Chamber of Commerce Economic Summit on Friday, October 17. The theme was "The Arts are Good for Business." The Chamber honored our friend and colleague, Tobias Andersen for his contribution to the arts in Gresham through his work at Mt. Hood Repertory Theatre. Other inspiring artistic moments throughout the day came from musicians Michael Allen Harrison and Juliann Johnson, comedic writer Marc Acito, acrobat performers Do Jump!, and well-known national actors Fankie Faison and Roscoe Orman.

One of the highlights of the summit was the 3-D presentation of the new Center for the Arts Plaza, which is on its way to being completed by early December. Included in the design are four pillars of public art, a spectacular vertical fountain, and LED ground lights. We applaud the leadership in Gresham for their commitment to making the arts a priority in their city with the development of the new Center for the Arts. www.gcfta.org

Another exciting project getting underway in the Portland Metro area is The Right Brain Iniative, which seeks to collaborate with artists, businesses and schools to get art back into the curriculum. http://www.therightbraininitiative.org/images/RightBrainFactSheet.pdf

Touching the Heart Ladies Luncheon-September 22, 2008

2008-09-27T15:28:00.000-07:00

Over 100 ladies met together at the Governor Hotel to raise funds for Columbia Symphony's education program, MEET the BEAT. In the backdrop of the beautiful Heritage Ballroom, the ladies enjoyed fine dining, dazzling jewelry and Jo Malone fragrances, and were treated to heart messages from Sarah Johnson, Betsy Hatton, and Teri Sorensen. An octet of string musicians from the Symphony performed and then 20 young musicians from the summer chamber music program joined them on stage for Mozart's Divertimenti. Over $12,500 was raised to support MEET the BEAT, the comprehensive education program that includes two animal-themed concerts, an Audience Outreach Ticket Program, and a summer chamber music program.