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 27th 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
R. Lee Friese
Program Manager
Selah Merwin
Program Support
Payton Baxter
Associate Conductor
Phillip Simpson
June 20th Annual Board Meeting Topics & Changes
Extended Board Service Limits
Clarifying Language in Board Selection Process
Clarifying Language in Board Selection Process
Currently, board members are only able to serve 2 consecutive 3 year terms before having to retire for a year. With this proposed revision, directors would instead be able to serve 3 consecutive 3 year terms before taking a year of retirement. This proposed change would provide greater continuity and allow experienced board members to con
Currently, board members are only able to serve 2 consecutive 3 year terms before having to retire for a year. With this proposed revision, directors would instead be able to serve 3 consecutive 3 year terms before taking a year of retirement. This proposed change would provide greater continuity and allow experienced board members to continue serving during important periods of growth and transition.
Clarifying Language in Board Selection Process
Clarifying Language in Board Selection Process
Clarifying Language in Board Selection Process
This proposed change would remove language related to the organizations initial board selection process, replacing it with wording that better reflects how regional directors are selected today. The revisions also propose clarifying that any Board of Director position may be shared by two people, such as a husband and wife, while still carrying only one vote.
Other Board Topics
Clarifying Language in Board Selection Process
Other Board Topics
Alongside these proposed revisions to the bylaws, we will be discussing next seasons proposed schedule, budget, and we will do a reflection on the 2025-2026 season as we finish it off.