It's Not Too Late To Support the Arts

ArtSmart is a collaborative non-profit working with our area's arts, culture and heritage groups to spread the word of all the great things there are to do right here in Salem. Over the past six years ArtSmart has grown from being "the folks who produce that calendar," to an organization providing workshops and educational opportunities to non-profit leaders from around the region in addition to being a vital link between the arts community and our educational institutions as well as an integral partner with the business community. Throughout this growth, ArtSmart has maintained its grassroots mission of promoting and enhancing the arts, culture and heritage opportunities in the greater Salem area while supporting art education for students of all ages.

Many of our area cultural organizations are small and the help they are afforded through their partnerships with ArtSmart are immeasurable. The connection to the schools and greater Salem community for these groups is vital as has been stated by our mayor, Janet Taylor and Chamber of Commerce CEO, Mike McLaran. ArtSmart brings these groups together and discusses information vital to their efficiency, networking and promotion.


As we are approaching the end of 2010, we hope that you will join us in celebration of the arts in our community by making a tax-deductible donation to ArtSmart as part of your year end-giving.

Make your tax deductible donation online now at https://www.artsmartsalem.com/donation.aspx or send a check payable to ArtSmart to 707 13th St SE Suite 114, Salem OR 97301

Need Some Help With Your Holiday Shopping?

We have conquered Black Friday and Cyber Monday and have all the socks we need for the next year.

We have been caroling and seen carolers, attended a variety of holiday programs and consumed horrific amounts of egg nog. We have wandered the malls and shops and what we are lacking now is that one unique gift that will make the holiday special for someone near and dear.

For the music lover in your life, you might want to check out the new holiday CD released by the McNary High School choirs. This professionally recorded CD is available at Uptown Music, Salem and Keizer branches of Willamette Valley Bank as well as at McNary High School. Part of the proceeds will go to fund future recording efforts of schools and students in the Salem-Keizer School District; for $10 you really can't go wrong adding this to your holiday purchases.

There is also Glazing Ice, a holiday CD released last year by the Willamette Master Chorus. Available from chorus members or at willamettemasterchorus.org, this is another must for your holiday music collection.

For those who would enjoy a live performance, the Oregon Symphony Association in Salem is running a holiday special that allows concert lovers to purchase tickets to their remaining concerts for a fraction of the regular series prices.

Ticket prices range from $150 for five concerts to $50 for two concerts. This special pricing ends Dec. 22 and tickets may be purchased from the business office by calling (503) 364-0149.

If music isn't what you are looking for, the Salem and Keizer Art Associations each have holiday showcases going right now with some incredible art and gift items from local artisans.

For more information visit www.artsmartsalem.org.

Wherever your holidays take you we hope they are happy.

Salem Chamber Orchestra Performs String Favorites

The Salem Chamber Orchestra may have scaled back their season this year, but they certainly haven’t scaled back their performances. When they take the stage in Hudson Hall for their Orchestral Strings Favorites concert on November 21st at 3pm, they will celebrate some of the great works written for strings.

The orchestra will be under the direction of guest conductor Huw Edwards who is currently the Music Director for the Olympia Symphony Orchestra. SCO principal flute, Sarah Tiedemann will also enjoy the spotlight as she performs Rutter’s Suite Antique with the orchestra.

In keeping with a tradition started a few years ago to encourage young musicians, some of Salem/Keizer’s finest advanced strings students will be joining the orchestra for a side by side performance of Barber’s Adagio for Strings. While the work in the classroom provides students with the technical skills they need, it is opportunities such as these; working with professional musicians, that help them develop their musicianship.

For those of you who can’t make the Sunday matinee performance, the Saturday dress rehearsal will also be open to the public. Tickets for the dress rehearsal, which will also take place in Hudson Hall, are $5 for adults and $3 for students, available at the door. Tickets for the concert are $15 -$25 (student ticket pricing is also available) dependent on seating and are available at the door or for best selection at absolutelytix.com. For more information about events happening visit www.artsmartsalem.org and remember, ”There’s Something to do in Salem.”

Can We Build It? Yes We Can!

I was recently reading an article in The Oregonian about the Extreme Makeover Home Edition’s visit to Salem. The main purpose of the article was to get folks to visit the Nightmare Factory, but what struck me was how the television crew marveled at the spirit of volunteerism we have in our community. As they were on such a tight deadline to get the build done in a week, they probably didn’t get a chance to really appreciate the way this community has rallied to build and restore some wonderful landmarks and programs.
The backyard at A. C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village, Salem’s Riverfront Carousel, and the Return to Grandeur of the Historic Elsinore Theatre are just a few examples of the way our community has come together to build something great. We came together again, to let people know that we didn’t want Meth in our neighborhoods and to help the United Way reach their campaign goals over the last three years. We have a tremendous sense of community pride and when it comes to that question asked by Bob the Builder, “Can We Build It?” The answer is “Yes We Can!” The real question is can we sustain it?
Once the dust has settled, we need to continue to support the great treasures we have here, from the physical structures to the wonderful programs that take place throughout the greater Salem area. As we enter into this season of Thanksgiving, we have a lot to be thankful for. Let’s make sure it is here for the generations come. For more information about events happening visit www.artsmartsalem.org and remember, ”There’s Something to do in Salem.”

It's Time for the Great Pumpkin Hunt

With October almost over, we have seen the start to yet another fabulous arts and heritage season in the Salem area. It is hard to believe that soon our thoughts will be turning to holiday feasts and gatherings, but before we get there, we have to get through that annual rite of passage, a trip to the pumpkin patch. Being in the heart of the Willamette Valley we are at no shortage of wonderful fields to visit to pick out that perfect jack-o-lantern. We all have our favorites, but regardless of where you go, wonderful memories are made.

Being a native northeast Salemite, EZ Orchards will always hold a special place in my heart. In elementary school, I could have sworn we drove for hours to get to the pumpkin patch, it sure took FOREVER in my six year old mind, but it was just so exciting to go out in the fields and bring home our very own pumpkins.

When our kids were little, it was great fun to watch them get on the Holly and Ivy train at our pumpkin haunt in Canby to ride out to the hay maze/play structure to pick out their perfect pumpkin. While the trick or treating and candy are great, nothing can compare to the memories we make beginning with that first trip to the pumpkin patch. For a list of some area pumpkin patches and other events, visit www.artsmartsalem.org and remember,”There’s Something to do in Salem.”

Art Fair is Here!!

We are all looking forward to Art Fair this weekend. What a wonderful celebration of the arts in our community. In its 61st year as a fund raiser for the Salem Art Association the Salem Art Fair and Festival is a signature event for Salem. In addition to visiting the artists, don't forget to visit the non-profit arts groups from our own community along the "cultural corridor", the friends of bush gardens plant sale and get a meal or snack and support a non-profit by eating in one of the food courts. Make sure to pick up your ArtSmart calendar and we wish the Salem Art Association the best of luck with their event this year.

Brentano String Quartet to Perform at Willamette University

The Grace Goudy Distinguished Artist Series at Willamette University is a wonderful opportunity for Salem residents take advantage of the renowned music program on our local campus. For fans of chamber music, the April 11 performance of the Brentano Quartet is a concert you won’t want to miss. Formed in 1992 as the first quartet-in-residence at Princeton University, the Quartet is comprised of members of the teaching faculty of the university.
Having performed in many of the great concert halls around the world, the Brentano Quartet has not confined itself to performing literature from the height of the string quartets popular history, but has performed music from the Baroque and Renaissance as well as works of contemporary composers. For their concert at Willamette University, they will be performing Beethoven’s String Quartet in C-sharp minor and Schubert’s String Quartet in G major.
In addition to their concert performance on April 11th at 3pm, the quartet will be conducting a master class following the concert at 7:30pm, also in Hudson Hall at Willamette University. The master class is free and open to the public. Concert tickets range in price from $10 - $ 20 dependent on seating choice with a $5 ticket available for students with valid student ID. Tickets may be purchased at AbsolutelyTix house at the Travel Salem Travel Café. Visit www.artsmartsalem.org for a listing of events for the current month and remember, “There’s Something to do in Salem”.

Spring Break Activities Abound

Whether young or young at heart there is something mystical about the end of March and “Spring Break.” While we rarely experience the harshness of the season that many do, we all look forward to this annual rite marking the end of winter. Whether we actually have a week off, take a week off or sneak a day here or there it feels good to get out and enjoy.
With such a bounty of activity in our great state, we often forget about the treasures we have right here in our own backyard. Spring is a wonderful time to visit some of our historic properties, take in a ride on the Carousel (really, it’s not just for kids), pack a picnic lunch and enjoy our wonderful parks or get out of the mall and explore our historic downtown. Don’t forget Hallie Ford is free on Tuesdays.
If you are looking for something to keep the kids busy while you still have to work, Mission Mill Museum and A.C. Gilbert’s Discovery Village have a week full of special activities planned for Spring Break. Visit their websites at www.missionmill.org and www.acgilbert.org for more information. You can also see what classes the Keizer Art Association has planned at www.keizerarts.org.
There are a lot of options during spring break, the most important thing is to get out and enjoy, play and discover. Visit www.artsmartsalem.org for a listing of events for the current month and remember, “There’s Something to do in Salem”.

Willamette Master Chorus and Willamette Girlchoir Combine for Winter Celebration

I am so excited about the Willamette Master Chorus’ Winter Celebration Concert. Not only are they performing a “Collage Mass” under the direction of founding conductor, Dr. Wallace Long, they are partnering with the Willamette Girlchoir to perform one of my favorite Rutter masses, Mass for the Children. This will be the second time the Willamette Girlchoir has performed this piece, but the personnel are all different.
Written in five movements, this is a non-liturgical mass. It was first performed by the Willamette Girlchoir when the joined the First United Methodist Church Masterworks Chorale shortly after the piece was debuted at Carnegie Hall in 2003. While Rutter is well known in the world of choral composition, Mass for the Children is a departure from his normal work, as it is written for the blending of adult and children’s voices. While Rutter finds the sound of the children’s voice to be irresistible, he also wrote this Mass as a celebration of the joy he received as a boy soprano when his chorus worked with adult choirs. There are also many who believe that this Mass was written in memory of his son, who died in 2001, however this has not been confirmed. Regardless of why it was written, it is a beautiful piece of music.
The opening Kyrie is absolutely gorgeous with the children’s choir slowly giving way to the adult voices marking the start of the day. As the piece continues, the movements are reminiscent of the hours that mark one day. The middle movement, Sanctus and Benediction was probably my favorite to sing. The blending of the two choruses with the orchestra is indescribable. This will definitely be a well spent Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon.
The concert will be performed in Hudson Hall on the campus of Willamette University on Saturday, February 27 at 7pm, with a matinee performance on Sunday, February 28 at 3pm . For more information or tickets, visit www.willamettemasterchorus.org. Visit www.artsmartsalem.org for a listing of events for the current month and remember, “There’s Something to do in Salem”.

Salem Chamber Orchestra Offers Valentine's Gift Solutions

With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, many may be looking for a unique gift to give that special someone. Enter Salem Chamber Orchestra with some very unique opportunities. Starting on Thursday, February 11, with a recital and ending on Valentine’s Day with a matinee concert Salem Chamber Orchestra offers three opportunities to celebrate with your valentine.
Thursday, February 11 at 7:30 in Hudson Hall, on the campus of Willamette University, Alessandro Traverna winner of the 2009 Piano E*Competition will perform a recital. In its fourth year, the E*Competition offers musicians from around the world to compete against each other performing on a Disklavier. The Piano-e-Competition, sponsored by Yamaha, started in 2002 and begins with invitation-only screened auditions held in Beijing, Paris, Los Angeles, Moscow and New York City. 2009’s competition included 71 young pianists – chosen from an unprecedented number of applicants from around the world – who had entered their digitally videotaped and recorded MIDI performances on Yamaha Disklavier Pro concert pianos.
On Saturday, February 13 at 7:30pm, Traverna will join the Salem Chamber Orchestra in concert at Hudson Hall as they present their third masterworks concert of the season. The concert will feature Traverna’s performance of Poulenc’s Aubade, concerto choregraphique . The orchestra will also perform Wagner’s Siegfried Idyl and Dvorak’s Serenade in D Minor op. 44. This concert will be repeated on Sunday, February 14 at 3pm also in Hudson Hall. For more information about this concert or the Salem Chamber Orchestra visit www.salemchamberorchestra.org. Tickets for these events are available at Absolutely Tix through Travel Salem at www.travelsalem.com/absolutelytix. Visit www.artsmartsalem.org for a listing of events for the current month and remember, “There’s Something to do in Salem”.

Kudos to Salem Audiences

Salem audiences have often been chastised for their boorish behavior at concerts. While at times it has been warranted, ( I think of the cell phone that kept ringing and the baby that kept crying during Itzhak Perlman’s performance at the Historic Elsinore Theatre) I have to say that after a recent concert I attended in Portland my hat is off to Salem concert and theatre-goers. I believe that the arts should be accessible to all and I was ecstatic to see such a diverse audience, but really, do people not understand that “No cameras or recording devices” applies to them as well?
I understand that attending your first classical concert can be a little scary if you don’t know what to expect. It is kind of like going out to dinner at a “fancy” restaurant and not knowing which fork to use. The etiquette can be a little daunting, but don’t be scared. There are a few simple things that can help you, and those around you, enjoy your evening out.
Unlike other genres of music, most classical music has multiple movements in one song. It is customary to applaud only after all of the movements have been played. While this is easier to follow when there is a printed program, a simple rule of thumb is that when there is a conductor, he will drop his baton (or his right hand) to his side or place his/her baton on the stand at the completion of the piece. In the case where there is not conductor (thing small ensemble), the performers will generally stand if seated or lower their instruments in front of them if standing to indicate that they are finished. If you still aren’t sure, err on the side of waiting to clap.
While it is wonderful to expose children to all types of music, if they are unable to sit still or are under the age of eight, it is probably best to hire a babysitter. Certainly once they have started to explore music in school, it is wonderful for them to be able to see the possibilities before them by seeing professionals perform.
Not sure what to wear? The days of black tie and evening gowns have gone by the wayside and while it is still not appropriate to attend a performance in exercise clothes or your pajamas, really anything goes. Be comfortable, you want to be able to enjoy the music and not be worried that your tie is choking you.
This brings me back to where I started. The camera thing, they really do mean everyone. Not only is it disrespectful to the artist to record them without their knowledge, it is distracting to those seated around you to see the light from your cell phone/camera. Take all the mental pictures you want and relive the memories that way.
Most of all, don’t be afraid. Music and theatre is meant to be enjoyed by all. Visit www.artsmartsalem.org for a listing of events for the current month and remember, “There’s Something to do in Salem”.