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Meet the instructors: Andrew Ehrlich in his own words: CMC has been a central part of my teaching and personal life for a long time. Although I have learned from all of my colleagues, I must make special mention and give thanks to Charles Farmer, Clarisse Atcherson and Naomi Blumberg for serving as true teacher mentors. I would also like to thank CMC for having early childhood music specialist, Shera Sinell, on its faculty where we met in the late 90’s. We recently celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary! In addition to teaching individual lessons and the adult violin class, I have had the privilege of directing the chamber music program and presently conduct the CMC adult orchestra. I also directed the CMC faculty orchestra in its concert at Reed College celebrating CMC’s 60th anniversary. My most cherished memory, however, is being stand partner of Leora Stein, our daughter, while playing in the small CMC orchestra conducted by Leo Whitlow. My deepest thanks goes to all of the CMC Foundation Boards who have kept the ideals of a Community Music Center foremost whatever the outside winds blowing.

Honoring CMC instructors: Gayle Neuman, a performer on violin, recorder, sackbutt, modern trombone and many other instruments, is also a vocalist who has received international acclaim for her renditions of the “Song of Seikilos,” the “Chorus from Orestes,” and others upon the release of Ensemble De Organographia’s CD Music of the Ancient Greeks. Several of the tracks from that recording have also appeared in the Norton Scores Recorded Anthology of Western Music, and numerous films and television programs. She appears as herself in the award-winning film “Buddymoon” and recorded music for the 2016 film “Ben-Hur”. She composed and arranged music for the 2015 production of “Mary Stuart” for Northwest Classical Theatre, and has performed for audiences in the U.S., Japan, Israel, Turkey, Greece, Canada, Norway, Germany, and for members of the royal family in Jordan. She co-founded and co-directs the Oregon Renaissance Band, now in its 33rd season. Gayle has played under the baton of Monica Huggett and Ton Koopman. She teaches the online Consort Class with participants in three countries, a recorder ensemble class at Portland’s Community Music Center, and has given workshops and presentations at many institutions including Oberlin Conservatory, Rice University, Cleveland Museum of Art, and the Getty Center. She has built, with her husband Phil, over 450 early wind and stringed instruments including krummhorns, cornamusen, douçaines, racketts, and vielles. #anniversary #70years #pdx #music #portlandparksandrecreation

@Y.O.U.THpdx and @CMC_Portland, in collaboration with @macapdx @PortlandParks, are excited to host three Summer Registration Open House events this May! These events offer a wonderful opportunity for our community to explore the diverse summer programs available, take advantage of exclusive discounts, and set up Portland Parks accounts. Mark your calendars—registration begins on May 15th! This year, our summer camps will highlight a wide range of activities focused on *performing arts*, *health and wellness*, *theater*, and *music*. Whether you’re looking to develop new creative skills, stay active, or dive into the world of performing arts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, here’s the best part: all activities come with discounts of up to 90%! We’re committed to making these enriching experiences accessible and affordable for everyone in our community. We hope to see you at one of our open house events—don’t miss the chance to discover everything our programs have to offer and secure your spot this summer!

Honoring CMC instructors: @zita.evelyn Zita Jefferson - Advanced Piano & Youth piano classes. Zita came from a musical family. Her grandfather, an oboist was a band leader stationed in Germany during WWII. Her father played trumpet in the air force band. He also played piano and taught Zita to play when she was 3. She studied piano performance at PSU, graduating in 1984 with her BA. She has been teaching piano for about 30 years in Portland. She is also a church musician, currently with St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Gresham. She has performed in chamber groups and accompanied many choirs, including the Francis Street Singers whom she currently accompanies at CMC. She currently teaches continuing group piano and intermediate-advanced private students at CMC. She has 7 grandchildren who all share her love of music! On Saturday May 3rd 2025 - Community Music Center will be celebrating our 70th anniversary serving Portlanders and Oregonians with music lessons and group classes. It will be a day full of music, community and friendship. Save the date! Link in bio. #anniversary #pdx #portland #portlandparks #piano #musiceducation #música #community

Spring registration has opened today 3.6.25. Single term activities are available for registration through @portlandparks website as well @cmc_portland. Classes at @y.o.u.thpdx and at Community Music Center (3350 Francis Street) DM questions.

Join @operaintheparkportland and @cmc_portland for a special event on Saturday February 1st at 6pm at @y.o.u.thpdx: Bass @deandresvoice and Pianist @claire_forstman for an evening of Spirituals, Songs and Arias by Black composers. Free Admission (RSVP at communitymusiccenter.org) DM for more info. #livemusic #eastportland #operainthepark #musiceducation