Feb. 20, 2009, Vicki Boeckman conducts
March 27-30 2009, Columbia Gorge Early Music Retreat - no session this month.
April 17, 2009, Vicki Boeckman conducts
May 22, 2009, Vicki Boeckman conducts
June 19(?), 2009, Member's Night Extravaganza

by Susan Campbell

Have you ever wondered who lurks behind the scenes of the PRS web site, responsible for both its beautiful design, as well as its maintenance?  Did you know this person also created the lovely logo at the top of our newsletters?  That person would be Charlie Schweigert, long-time recorder player and one of the founding members of Portland Recorder Society.  On most 3rd Fridays of the month, you are likely to find him sitting in the tenor section of our orchestra.  So that we could all get to know a little more about this very talented, though unassuming guy who does so much for us, I asked him a few questions.
 
Question: How long have you been playing the recorder?

Charlie: "I started playing recorders 40 years ago; I bought my first recorder (a soprano) after moving into an apartment in Chicago in 1969, thinking it would be less strident and easier on my neighbors' ears than the clarinet I had played all through high school and college.  Boy, was I wrong!  I stayed with it though, and added alto, tenor, and bass recorders through the years, and now play all four when I get the chance.  I also started playing baroque flute in the early 1980's, but gave it up after a few years; I recently rediscovered it and am playing it actively today."
 
Question: Do you have a favorite recorder?
 
Charlie:  "I guess my favorite recorder is my boxwood alto at A415 made by Thomas Prescott. It has a dark, rich tone and, best of all, it responds easily in the high register. I also prefer the alto because there is so much wonderful music written for it."
 
Question: You do some performing in small ensembles.  Tell us about that.

Charlie: "I play duets with Jan Groh in a group we call 'Nachtigal', and I play trio sonatas with flute, harpsichord and viola da gamba in a group called 'Les Gens du Village', which is French for 'The Village People.'  I play occasional duets and trios with other baroque flute players when they can be found."
 
Question: What do you do that pays the bills?

Charlie: "By profession, I am a self-employed artist selling through galleries and art shows in Oregon, Washington, California, Arizona and New Mexico.  In Oregon, you can see my paintings at the Waterstone Gallery in the Pearl District; at the White Bird Gallery in Cannon Beach; and at the Mary Lou Zeek Gallery in Salem.  You can also look for me [in up-coming shows] at Art in the Pearl on Labor Day weekend, and visit my One-Person Show in September, 2009, at the Waterstone Gallery.  White Bird in Cannon beach will also feature my work for the month of July, but they will always have some of my work hanging in the gallery, so if you wander into the gallery, be sure to ask to see my work."
 
For a real treat, view Charlie's paintings, and learn more about his amazing work by visiting his web site at www.cjschweigert.com
 
And thanks, Charlie, for the hours you have spent (and continue to spend), and for your skill and dedication, to keep our website going!

 

Wright Hall, above, is the setting for a faculty concert at the Columbia Gorge Early Music Retreat you won't want to miss!  Even if you are not a retreat participant, you may join us Sunday evening, March 29th at 7:30pm for solo and ensemble music by faculty members Vicki Boeckman, Eileen Hadidian, Glen Shannon, Gayle and Phil Neuman.  A reception with refreshments will follow the concert.  Tickets for non-retreat participants are a suggested donation of $10, $8 students and seniors.