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Information
about OSB
The formal organization of the Oregon Symphonic Band took place in Portland in September 1986, when a board of six members met and elected to contact Mr. Dell Herreid as the conductor for this band. He was very interested, as were many Portland area musicians, in starting an adult concert band. The group has averaged 60 members since its first season, in 1987, when six concerts were given at various schools in the Portland area.
Oregon's "premier symphonic band" has been comprised of some of the Portland area's best instrumentalists, both professional and amateur. Although our musicians come from all walks of life, they all have two things in common: they all love to play great band music and they are all volunteers.
In 2007 OSB was awarded the Sudler Silver Scroll award by the John Philip Sousa foundation, the highest award a community band can receive. OSB has maintained a steady schedule of three concerts per season. Each features marches, show tunes, orchestral transcriptions, as well as a fine selection of challenging original band works. We would like to thank the many soloists and guest conductors who have helped us put on a variety of exciting programs. The soloists have included: Margie Boule, vocalist; Shawn Rogers, vocalist; Allen Vizzutti, trumpet; Bill Watrous, trombone; James Walker, flute; John Reitz Jr., piano; Elburn Cooper, saxophone; Andrew Harris, euphonium; Gordon Soli, bassoon; Jay Steele, tuba; and Roma Gallinger, piano. Guest conductors Norman Leyden, conductor and arranger; Warren Barker, composer and conductor; and Dr. Thomas Lee, UCLA Director of Bands, have guided and taught us. For more information about the Oregon Symphonic Band call (503) 961-7840. You may also send email or write to: Oregon Symphonic Band |
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OSB has performed
extensively throughout the greater Portland metropolitan area, as well as in
Clatskanie, Hillsboro, Forest Grove, St. Helens, Vancouver and Camas. We
enjoy spreading our love of music to the schools and colleges at which we
perform. In December 2006 we performed at The Midwest Clinic in Chicago, the
most prestigious venue for concert bands in the world; we were only the
second band from Oregon to perform there in their 60-year history.