Mission Statement

Cascadia, the Organization

Cascadia, the Methow Music Association, was founded in 1986 with a mission to promote music education, participation, and appreciation in the Methow and Okanogan Valleys. We produce 25-30 events per year and reach approximately 2,500 people in the estimated annual total attendance of our events. People from all walks of life make up our audiences, which span all ages and include local residents as well as tourists and visiting musicians. Our board consists of eight members, all volunteers, including its officers—president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. Our only paid staff member is our project coordinator, who oversees all aspects of our operations (fundraising, concert production, publicity, booking of performers and venues, coordinating volunteers) and is accountable to the board of directors regarding all matters involving finance or programming. The board meets every second Wednesday each month. Click here to read about Cascadia‘s educational arm, the Pipestone Institute.

Cascadia Activities

The "hear good music, teach good music, make good music" motto is still as valid today as it ever was. We feature local as well as visiting musicians in a wide variety of genres. Our events have included workshops, master classes, a summer camp, and, of course, concerts. We frequently cooperate with other organizations, such as the Methow Valley Theater, and our goal is to involve as many people in our community as possible in making the events happen. We are constantly looking for ways to increase our scope of activities. Our year-to-year favorites include: a Christmas concert with our community choir, hand bell ensemble, and children's chorus; Musicians of the methow; Valentine Love Songs; Keyboard confections—a pastry feast accompanied by piano music of all genres. For 2006, we plan two new projects. The first is a Visiting Artists Concert series with events spread out throughout the year. The second is to invite composers to submit work to be performed by local or regional musicians. The Methow Valley is fortunate to have in residence many professional, dedicated musicians and teachers, several of whom with advanced degrees and the willingness to serve both Cascadia and Pipestone.