Hello friends!
I hope this email finds you well and happily enjoying the CLEAN and FRESH air that has finally made it’s way back into the valley!
Thank you to everyone who came out to Cascadia’s 40th Anniversary Celebration!
This spring and summer, with the smoke and threats from nearby fires, we have all been feeling so many mixed emotions. Fortunately for us humans, especially those of us in the Methow Valley, we have music, art and community to get us through these challenging times!
On July 25, Cascadia Music celebrated our Fortieth Anniversary. Despite the fact that the party had to be moved inside from our original venue, the Twisp Town Park, due to the smoke and poor AQI, the event was a great success, and a true reflection of our mission to “build community by sharing the joys and power of music”.
A huge thank you to all the performers, the many volunteers who helped set up, served food and drinks, sold raffle tickets and cleaned up after the event, and to the audience of over 150 people who came out to enjoy the music over the course of the day. Many thanks also to EQPD, Methow Rafting, and Orchard House for their donations to the raffle.
Just after the party, The Pipestone Summer Strings Camp, led by Director Pam Hunt, had a great week of learning and fun, followed by a full recital to wrap up the week.
The 2026-27 Annual Christine Cherrington Memorial Scholarship Applications are now being accepted for local music students!
The Christine Cherrington Memorial Scholarship Fund was created to support music study for local students of all ages. Since its inception, the fund, administered by Cascadia Music, has assisted hundreds of young valley musicians. The program offers a 50% scholarship on the cost of music lessons with local music teachers for students whose household income falls at or below the amount shown for their household size in the chart on the form. These guidelines have been recently updated; we are open to feedback, and encourage anyone to apply.
Please fill out and submit the Google form online HERE or feel free to request a PDF copy of this form please email director@cascadiamusic.org, and return to cascadiamusiceducation@gmail.com no later than Sept 30.
Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you have received a scholarship in the past, and/or believe you may qualify for support based on extenuating circumstances, please fill out the space provided on the bottom of the Google form and PLEASE STILL APPLY or reach out to us!
Cascadia’s Orchestra and Chorale Groups are forming!
Annual Holiday Concert is scheduled for Dec 8 and 9, 2026
The Cascadia Chorale will be meeting Mondays, (next rehearsal is Sept 14th), 6:30 – 8:30 pm at the Methow Valley United Methodist Church, located at 193 Old Twisp Hwy, Twisp, WA 98856. No audition necessary. For more info, contact Chorale Director, Dana Stromberger at twispie317@gmail.com.
The Pipestone Orchestra is also coming together, and will begin with a meeting in Room#3 of the Methow Valley Community Center on Thursday, Sept 17th, (and Thursdays thereafter) from 6:30 – 8:30 PM. No experience or audition is required but the ability to read music is. To join the orchestra, just show up, or contact Pam Hunt at tamarackquartet@hotmail.com or Lisa Peters, Cascadia Board President at lr_peters@comcast.net to learn more.
PLEASE CONSIDER A GENEROUS DONATION TO CASCADIA TO
HELP US ENSURE CAPACITY TO PUT ON THIS YEAR’S HOLIDAY CONCERT
LIVE MUSIC Coming up this fall:
The Winthrop Folk and Roots Festival is scheduled for October 23rd and 24th, 2026. Featured artists will be Max Gomez, Jenner Fox, Skillethead, Golden Shoals, Shane Brown, Bordergrass Alliance and Okanogan County’s Own Omak Creek. For more information about the festival, workshop opportunities, and ticketing, check out www.folknroots.com and their Instagram page, https://www.instagram.com/winthropfolk/. From Brian Alley, Festival organizer: “Folk music is music that people make together. It’s music that connects people. It’s music that carries stories, traditions, creativity, and a sense of belonging. Winthrop Folk n Roots celebrates that spirit by bringing people together for one magical weekend every October to hear, learn, and share music across cultures, generations, and musical traditions. We’re working to make live music and music education accessible to everyone, regardless of age, experience, or financial position. Our goal is simple: to build a stronger, more connected community through the joy of making and experiencing music together.” To volunteer, or support the festival, connect via the festival’s website. SEE YOU THERE!