WHAT’S PLAYING AROUND THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST 3 SOUND CHECK MAY 25�JUNE 1, 2022 Community Band Northeast plays live May 31 By Lisa Britton Go! Magazine L A GRANDE — Community Band Northeast musicians are tuning up for their fi rst con- cert in two years. The band will play Tuesday, May 31, 7:30 p.m. in McKen- zie Theatre on the campus of Eastern Oregon University. Admission is free; contributions are welcome. Russ Carpenter, who started as the band’s conductor in March, said the group includes members from Baker and Union counties, as well as students. “Our youngest member is in high school, and our oldest is in his 90s,” Carpenter said. He describes it as a sym- phonic band that includes fl utes, clarinets, an oboe, bassoons, a bass clarinet, alto and tenor saxophone, French horns, trum- Davis Carbaugh/The Observer Community Band Northeast will perform Tuesday, May 31, at 7:30 p.m. in McKenzie Theatre at Eastern Oregon University. Davis Carbaugh/The Observer Community Band Northeast rehearses May 16, 2022. The band practices every Monday night at Groth Hall on the campus of Eastern Oregon University. pets, trombones, a baritone, a tuba and four percussionists. The band’s season coincides with the school year — rehears- als begin in September and end in the spring. Each season features three concerts. The group started about 40 years ago. “It’s been a long-term opera- tion,” said Martin Birnbaum, who joined about 20 years ago. For the musicians who live outside Union County, a grant from the Wildhorse Foundation helps reimburse travel costs. “That’s really very generous,” Birnbaum said. Community Band Northeast is now a nonprofi t organization, but it maintains a connection with EOU, which provides space for rehearsals and performanc- es. “We start the fi rst Monday that the college is open,” Birn- baum said. Also, he said students earn a college credit for playing with the band. MEMBERS WELCOME The band is open to new members. “We’re always looking for players,” Carpenter said. July 30 & 31 2022 Gourmet Provisions, Majestic Pizza, Wine & Beer Bottle Wonderland, Dedicated Tap House, Craft Cocktails, Espresso Bar, Local & Far-Out Deli 403 S. Main Street Pendleton • 541.276.1350 Although it is preferred that members begin in September, he said musicians can join at any time. Membership is $40 for adults, $10 for students. Anyone interested in joining can attend a rehearsal, which be- gins at 7 p.m. Mondays at Groth Recital Hall located inside EOU’s Loso Hall. After the May 31 con- cert, rehearsals will start again in September. Prairie City FIBER FEST www.PrairieCityFiberFest.com Thank you for being a GREAT sponsor 4 years!