A really grade performance

Some of the most talented music teachers on the Oregon Coast will demonstrate their skills at a “Piano Extravaganza” this Sunday, Sept. 26, at the Newport Performing Arts Center.

“Our last performance was in February of 2020 and we are looking forward to being on stage again,” said Cathy Champion-Predmore, co-president of the Lincoln County District of the Oregon Music Teachers Association. “Because of the pandemic there will be no singing at the concert.  Thus, it is dubbed a Piano Extravaganza.”

Guest performers Mindy Simon on viola and Evelyn Archer on bassoon will be accompanied by pianists Ramona Goddard of Newport, Mary Morganti of Florence, Donna Olson, Rita Warton and Andrea Roesel of Lincoln City, Mary Lee Scoville of Waldport and Jessica Treon of Seal Rock. The pianists will perform solos, four-hand duets and two piano duos.

The program includes pieces by Brahms, Debussy, Ravel, Mendelssohn, Mozart, Rachmaninoff and a few lesser-known composers.

Proceeds will go to the Suzanne Brown Scholarship fund, created to support students from families who cannot afford the full costs of music education, including tuition, books, festival fees and other music related expenses.

“As time passes, the expense of these concerts increases,” said Christine McKenney, treasurer of the local district. “We need lots of help to keep these students in lessons and we sincerely hope the community will continue to support our efforts.”

The concert begins at 2 pm at the Newport Performing Arts Center, located at 777 W Olive Street. Admission is by donation, and proof of vaccination or recent negative test is required for entry.

For more information, go to omta-lincolncounty.org.