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
Sarah Mattox
President
Tanya Elia
Treasurer
Ian Cox
Secretary
Our Board Members
Wendy Bloom
Aaron Mandel
Jake Ortman
Tiphanie Duffy
Our Staff Members
Dr. Travis A. Allen
Executive Director
Dr. Travis Allen is honored to be Executive Director of the Central Oregon Symphony Association. A versatile cellist, educator, and arts leader, Dr. Allen has been a part of the classical music scene in Central Oregon since 2008. Known for his dedication to performance, chamber music, and music education. He currently serves as Principal Cellist of the Central Oregon Symphony and is the cellist of the Dove String Quartet.
For the past five years, Dr. Allen has also served as the Executive Director of the Central Oregon Youth Orchestra (COYO). Under his leadership, COYO has grown in size, scope, and visibility, offering high-quality orchestral training and performance opportunities for young musicians across the region. In addition to his performance and leadership roles, Dr. Allen is on faculty at Central Oregon Community College, where he teaches Music History as well as second-year Music Theory and Musicianship.
He holds a Master’s degree in Cello Performance from Portland State University and both a Master’s and Doctorate in Musicology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. During his time in Portland, Dr. Allen performed with members of the Oregon Symphony and the Portland Opera. He continues to perform regularly, including with the Sunriver Music Festival and will continue to perform as principal cellist with the Central Oregon Symphony.
If he’s not doing something musical, he is likely on an outdoor adventure with his wife and daughter.
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
Operations Manager
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.
BUSINESS SPONSORS
MATCHING SPONSORS
Central Oregon Symphony Association receives support from the Oregon Arts Commission, a state agency funded by the State of Oregon and the National Endowment for the Arts.
