14 Feb 2017 [...]

Drew Stilson wins

27 Oct 2016

Cascade School of Music is proud to announce 10 year old drum student Drew Stilson has been awarded the Rising Star Award for October, 2016.  Drew is a student of Meshem Jackson and the son of Rick and Nicole Stilson of Bend.

The Rising Star Award recognizes students in years one and two of private instruction who exhibit talent, effort and achievement.  The students who receive this award have been nominated by their teachers as showing both great promise as musicians along with great perseverance and commitment to their craft. 

“Drew demonstrates remarkable ability for his age.  From the very beginning, his dedication to practice and the development of his skills has been exciting for me as his instructor.  Drew rises to challenges which made my decision to have Drew perform with my upper intermediate and advanced level students an easy one.  Drew’s work ethic and positive attitude along with his family’s unwavering support has really made and continues to make a tremendous impact on Drew’s drumming.” Meshem Jackson

Dillon Schneider, Executive Director says, “As our school continues to grow, the caliber of young people with the desire to excel in their music does as well.  Drew has enthusiastically embraced all that is drumming and is very deserving of this honor.”

In addition to his private lessons, Drew has participated in the school’s summer Rock U program.

Along with an award certificate, Drew received a $50 scholarship towards his private lessons. Drew and subsequent monthly Rising Star Award winners are the only students eligible to win the grand prize $500 scholarship to continue their music studies at Cascade School of Music during Crescendo Bendo to be held at the Tower Theatre on June 10, 2017.

Whitney Walden wins Fortissimo Award

19 Oct 2016

The Fortissimo Award recognizes students in year three and above of private instruction who exhibit talent, effort and achievement. These are Cascade School of Music’s best students.  The students who receive this award have been nominated by their teachers as showing both great promise as musicians along with great perseverance and commitment to their craft. 

“Whitney is exceptionally motivated with an excellent work ethic. Her ability to learn new instrumental and musical ideas is about as good as I have seen in all my years of teaching,” John Allen.  Meshem Jackson adds, “Whitney recently added drums to her mix of instruments.  My first impression of Whitney is that she has focus, determination, and discernment in her attitude and work ethic toward learning a new instrument. I foresee diligence in her approach to practice. She is an intelligent young woman that will have success on her musical journey.”

Dillon Schneider, Executive Director says, “Whitney is one of a very strong group of up and coming students at Cascade School of Music.  She is a hard worker and we’re excited to discover where Whitney’s talent and enthusiasm for music take her.” In addition to her private lessons, Whitney participates in the school’s Rock U program where she plays the electric bass for the school’s first all female rock band. 

 

Along with an award certificate, Whitney received a $100 scholarship towards her private lessons. Whitney and subsequent monthly Fortissimo Award winners will compete head to head for a $1000 scholarship to continue their music studies at Cascade School of Music during Crescendo Bendo to be held at the Tower Theatre on June 10, 2017.

Jake Thibert wins Fortissimo Award

29 Jan 2016
Piano student Jake Thibert has been awarded the Fortissimo Award for January 2016. "Jake is a motivated pianist who challenges himself constantly.  He is able to play with sensitivity and control beyond his years and far beyond the time he has been studying piano. I am so proud of Jake and look forward to seeing the amazing musician and person he is becoming", says Julie Hanney, Jake's teacher.
Dillon Schneider, Executive Director says, "Jake began in one of our beginning group piano classes, and after 15 weeks transitioned into private piano lessons. He is a hard worker and we're excited to discover where Jake's talent and enthusiasm for music take him." Along with an award certificate, Jake received $100 scholarship towards his private lessons and goody bags from award sponsors Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza, Cuppa Yo and Cascade School of Music. Jake and subsequent award winners are also the only students eligible for a $1000 award to be given out at The Tower Theatre during Crescendo Bendo in June 2016.

Elvis rocks at Cascade School of Music

19 Dec 2014
Elvis made a surprise appearance at Cascade School of Music, and was joined in a jam session by Meshem Jackson on drums, Aaron Pugh on guitar and Dillon Schneider on bass. Elvis rocked a couple of tunes with the band and then sang some Christmas carols with the kids. Elvis, come back any time!

Les Schwab sponsors Awesome Afterschool Music Programs

13 Oct 2014
Cascade School of Music is proud to have Les Schwab Tire Centers on board as a sponsor of our Awesome Afterschool Music programs. Support from Les Schwab enables the school to keep the tuition very low for these programs and to provide tuition assistance for those who cannot afford to participate otherwise. On behalf of the 75 kids enrolled in these important programs, Thank You!

Rock U Showcase at McMenamins Bend

17 Feb 2019

Sunday, Feb. 17th, 5:00pm-8:00pm

2017 - 2018 PROGRAM GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE

23 Aug 2017
Pick up your copy of the 2017 - 2018 Cascade School of Music Program Guide this week in The Source, or at Cascade School of Music, and check out all of the engaging programs and classes offered this year!

New CD from Harp instructor Becky Smith

19 Dec 2014 Cascade School of Music Harp instructor Rebecca Smith has a new CD out of Hawaiian music arranged for harp. "It is an outstanding recording- the music is very beautiful, and very well played" says Dillon Schneider, Executive Director at the school. Highly recommended! The CD is available at the school.

Pianist April Lane Joins Faculty

14 Jan 2014
Cascade School of Music is excited to welcome pianist April Lane to its faculty. April received her Masters in Piano Performance from the University of Colorado and then became part of the faculty. April maintains an active performance schedule, as a soloist with regional symphonies and as a chamber musician, collaborating with internationally acclaimed artists.