Our History
The Central Oregon Symphony is a community-based orchestra, the success of which is grounded in the tremendous generosity of its members who volunteer their time and talent for the love of orchestral music. The ensemble was formed in 1967 as a part of the expanding Central Oregon Community College Fine Arts Department.
From modest beginnings the orchestra has grown to become a major player in the local fine arts scene. The symphony celebrated its 50th season in 2016-2017.
Our Vision
We see music as a participatory art form, and we desire to expand opportunities for our musicians to perform in the community and to expand accessibility to those performances for our community. We also harbor a deep desire to share the classical music traditions with future generations and support a variety of music education programs for youth and the young at heart.
Our Team
Michael Gesme
Music Director
Michael Gesme is a Professor of Music at Central Oregon Community College. In this wonderfully diverse position, Michael conducts the Central Oregon Symphony, the Cascade Winds Symphonic Band and has taught various and sundry music courses, including music theory, ear training, music history, and conducting, as part of a small, but flourishing music department. In addition to his duties at COCC, Michael serves as conductor of the Central Oregon Chamber Orchestra and is also an active clinician and adjudicator in the region.
Michael has served as music director of the Linfield Chamber Orchestra and the Missouri Chamber Orchestra and has appeared as a guest conductor with several ensembles including the Sunriver Music Festival Orchestra, Salem Chamber Orchestra, and Wenatchee Valley Symphony. He also served as the orchestra conductor for the Young Musicians and Artists summer camp in Salem, Oregon. He received his bachelor’s degree from Luther College (Decorah, IA) and his master’s degree in orchestral conducting from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Feel free to email Michael at mgesme@cocc.edu.
Our Musicians
Central Oregon Symphony musicians come to us from varied backgrounds and locations. Many have mastered their instruments at nationally prestigious music schools such as Eastman School of Music, Manhattan School of Music, and Cleveland Institute of Music; others have honed their skills through our local music programs and regional universities. Our diverse musicians share a common passion for the performing arts that makes the symphony a strong and cohesive ensemble.
From modest beginnings the orchestra has grown to become a major player in the local fine arts scene. The symphony celebrated its 50th season in 2016-2017.
Viola
Julia Bastuscheck
Carol Elwood
Carrie Howell
Leslie Knight
Jenny Marsden
Maggie McHugh
Dara Robertson
Veda Robertson
Bassoon
Steven Arrasmith
Wendy Bloom
Trombone
Dan Flagg
Dylan White
Cello
Travis Allen
Emma Chaput
Joshua Evans
Tina Filsinger
Suzanne Gainey
Janet Gesme
Austin Lenahan
Amy Mitchell
David Morris
Evan Sigvaldsen
Chris Thomas
Bass Clarinet
Gayle Hoagland
French Horn
Amy Anderson
Stephanie Everett
Andreas Lang
Tim Lynch
Bass Trombone
Erik Hoagland
Harp
Laura Leighton
Piano/Celeste
Kathy Gault
Jean Shrader
Flute
Lynn Lakin
Sue Steiger
Piccolo
Lynn Lakin
Sue Steiger
Oboe
Alex Gesme
Ryan Zwahlen
Clarinet
Ali Bylund
Gayle Hoagland
Eliza Zandonatti
Trumpet
Thomas Blomstrand
Jeff Briggs
Ken Steiger
Tuba
Barry Crenshaw
Timpani
Dennis Senff
Percussion
Larry Meyers
Jake Ortman
Cheri Redgrave
To hear from our musicians in their own words, please click here. We recommend updating to the latest Chrome, Safari, or Edge browser for the best interactive experience.
Violin
Leah Beshore
Joanne Bulley
Meg Clithero
Amelia Covington
Bonnie Dalton
Johnny Downs
Denise Driscoll
Melissa Frantz
Lenore Gilbert
Robert Gregory
Aria Hartley
Chuck Hens
Wilma Hens
Kenny Hersch
Elly Jocham
Alice Long
Maryellen Marrocco
Eric Morgan
Rachel O’Connor
Rafael Peters
Colleen Potuzak
Carolyn Rouse
Sarah Ruzicka
Brenda Simmons
Nicole Stavale
Audrey Wallace
Bethany Willis
Bass
Ronald Delano
Carson Perl
Eddy Robinson
Bill Weaver
Our Executive Board
Amy Mitchell
President
Mac Farnsworth
Treasurer
Ian Cox
Secretary
Our Board Members
Wendy Bloom
Aaron Mandel
Jake Ortman
Sarah Mattox
Meg Voedisch
Our Staff Members
Tanya Elia
Executive Director
Being in love with music her whole life, Tanya Elia is thrilled to be a part of such an amazing symphony. Tanya joined COSA in 2018, bringing with her 18 years of experience in the nonprofit sector - primarily in grant management and development. She has a bachelor’s degree from Lewis & Clark College, a Master’s degree from Hollins University, and has done post-graduate work in nonprofit management and leadership at Duke University and the University of North Carolina - Asheville. Most recently, Tanya earned a certificate from The Juilliard School in the Essentials of Orchestra Management. In addition to working for COSA, Tanya teaches piano, guitar, and ukulele. Central Oregon is where she calls home and if she is not doing something musical, she is most likely skiing, hiking, or biking.
Beverly Anderson
Marketing Manager
Beverly holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Oregon State University and has experience in both nonprofit and for-profit marketing roles. As a natural-born storyteller, Beverly's marketing expertise goes hand in hand with her passion for the arts. Beyond the office, you can find her performing at local venues with her keyboard and loop station, writing her next original song, or acting onstage at the Greenhouse Cabaret. With a dedication to the arts and a flair for impactful marketing, Beverly is ready to elevate the Central Oregon Symphony's presence and bring the magic of music to an even wider audience.
Ryan Zwahlen
Education and Outreach Coordinator
Ryan is a musician and educator living in Bend, OR. As an oboist, he has performed with the LA Phil, performed and recorded with the San Diego Symphony, and performed with numerous groups throughout Southern California and Northern California. Since arriving in the Pacific Northwest, Ryan has become a sub with the Eugene Symphony, Rogue Valley Symphony, Portland Opera, and Portland Ballet. He currently serves as Principal Oboe of the Central Oregon Symphony. He has established a studio of oboe and flute students in Bend, OR, and is on the faculty of YMA (Young Musicians and Artists) a summer camp for the arts in Salem, OR.
Sofia Johansen
Executive Assistant
Sofia is a Bend native who has always been passionate about music and fine arts. While her education background is in biology, her participation in the arts has been a constant thread throughout her life. She grew up performing in local theater and in college was a member of St Olaf's choir ensemble. Sofia's current artistic pursuits include performing aerial silks with Central Oregon Aerial Arts and studying classical-style, flamenco guitar. She couldn't be more excited to be working with the Central Oregon Symphony and contributing to making orchestral music more accessible within her community.
CORPORATE GIVING
Thank you to our corporate sponsors! Click on the logos below for more information about these businesses.
