By Rebecca Gallivan

Ever since I was a little girl, music has been an important part of my life. At six or seven years old my parents recognized my love of music and began encouraging me, supporting my goals by signing me up for voice and violin lessons. I am forever grateful.  As the new Executive Director for Cascadia Music, I am excited about the opportunity to share this joy with others by providing opportunities to learn, hear and perform music here in the Methow Valley.

In its long history, so many people have contributed to this vision and helped enrich our community through music. Since 1986, when Cascadia was just an idea, it has changed and expanded, has had many leaders and given countless performances.  Since then our organization has grown to include: the Cascadia Chorale; the Pipestone Orchestra, a community ensemble; Pipestone Youth Orchestra, a string program in the Methow Valley School District; and the Cherrington Scholarship Foundation, providing merit and need based scholarships for music students.  In 1998 Pam and Terry Hunt founded the Pipestone School of Music, Cascadia’s educational branch, providing private lessons in strings, winds and piano.  Pam’s excellent teaching is clear in the good work of her many students, and the countless successful recitals and concerts they have given.  All this while serving as Business Manager as well.  For 25 years Terry has been a member of this organization, a director of the Orchestra and most recently, Executive Director.  Pam and Terry’s good work continues even though they are stepping back from their administrative positions. We are so grateful to them and particularly to Terry for the upcoming season, as the incredible guest performances we are offering this year are due to his connections and hard work.

So far my favorite part of this transition has been hearing from so many of you individually, how Cascadia Music has been a part of your lives and about the rich culture this organization provides for personal connection and artistic expression.  It is because of you that we are thriving!  Perhaps this is best expressed in the happy faces of people applauding for the Holiday Concert, or through the sweet thank you notes from young students to their teachers. I myself am beyond thrilled to have this opportunity and look forward to sharing the joy of music with you at our many performances this year!