Rebecca Sonniksen
Over time I’ve come to realize one’s dreams often exceed one’s talents. Like the one about writing the great American novel or climbing Mr. Rainier. Mine was to play my viola with a symphony orchestra.
My only experience of playing with others was in a string group. Given the limitations of our abilities as well as instrumentation, the music we played was “arranged.” I yearned to play the “real” stuff immersed in the symphonic sounds of strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion. I wanted to be part of something greater than the sum of its parts.
Thanks to the Columbia Gorge Sinfonietta my unlikely dream has become a reality. The Sinfonietta is one of several performing ensembles sponsored by the non-profit Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association, based in Hood River.
Current ensembles include the Sinfonietta Orchestra, Voci Choir, Gorge Jazz Collective, Stages Repertory Theatre, The Hood River String Quartet, and the Gorge Youth Chorus. Founded nearly 40 years ago, these groups have performed hundreds of concerts to thousands of local audience members. Last season the choir combined with the Sinfonietta for several performances of Mozart’s Requiem.
This is a great time to become involved in any of these performing ensembles. As the Orchestra Association expands in its levels of performance and collaborations they are looking for new members at all levels of experience.
This was my chance to play “real” music with other people, and for other people. I took the plunge. I sit behind two very good violists. They are very kind. They turn around in their chairs and give me the high-five.
Sometimes I can’t play all the fast notes, of which there are many. And sometimes when their bows are going up, mine is going down; but it’s one of the most fun and thrilling things I’ve done. From my vantage point, between the lead violists and the french horn section, I’ve got the best seat in the house.
Like they say, you can only get there from here. And, here is High Prairie. You never know where dreams may lead.
Find out more about the Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association at https://www.gorgeorchestra.org.