Foundation and Core Values:
Foundation and Core Values:
Foundation and Core Values:
Inland Northwest Musicians was founded in 1999 by a group of instrumentalists and vocalists interested in forming a classical music organization that reflected certain core values. Inland Northwest Musicians was built around these cornerstone beliefs:
Music is for everyone, regardless of income or geographic location.
Audiences everywhere deserve to share in the world’s greatest music in live performance.
All musicians, including beginners, deserve to develop their talent.
Music is a lifelong pursuit that contributes to health, well-being and a high quality of life.
A regional arts organization should truly represent and serve the region, be “owned” by and accountable to its membership.
All constituents are valued – musicians, audience members, staff, volunteers and financial contributors.
Inland Northwest Musicians abides by these core values. It is what makes us unique from any other program.
Who We Are and What we do:
Foundation and Core Values:
Foundation and Core Values:
We are in our 26th year of successful operation. Inland Northwest Musicians ensembles have performed 500 concerts in 50 different communities in Northeast Oregon and Southeast Washington. We ARE the only truly regional classical music organization in the Pacific Northwest.
Inland Northwest Musicians operates different performing ensembles:
Inland Northwest Orchestra – a full symphony orchestra of approximately 50 members, with rehearsals held in Pendleton.
Inland Northwest Chorale – a symphonic chorale group comprised of approximately 40 singers, with rehearsals held in Pendleton.
Willow Creek Symphony – our youth/preparatory orchestra comprised of approximately 30 members, currently rehearsing in Hermiston.
Less advanced musicians of all ages (including adults) are welcome to participate in these last two ensembles.
Our musicians performing in the various Inland Northwest Musicians ensembles are volunteers. They donate their time and talent to participate. Many drive long distances to attend rehearsals and concerts. Musicians are drawn to each of our ensembles from throughout our vast service area.
Our Staff
Music Director/Conductor
Music Director/Conductor
Music Director/Conductor
R. Lee Friese
Program Co-Manager
Music Director/Conductor
Music Director/Conductor
Payton Baxter
Program Co-Manager
Associate Conductor
Associate Conductor
Lori Johnson
Associate Conductor
Associate Conductor
Associate Conductor
Phillip Simpson