03-04-26 Commissioners Host 5th Annual Music At The Courthouse Concert And Issue Proclamation For Music In Our Schools Month (Photo) - 03/04/26
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 4, 2026
Commissioners Host 5th Annual Music at the Courthouse Concert and Issue Proclamation for Music in Our Schools Month
(Douglas County, Ore.) – Douglas County Commissioners Tom Kress, Chris Boice, and Tim Freeman were honored to host their 5th Annual Music at the Courthouse concert series today, Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the Douglas County Courthouse. The concert series featured nine Douglas County music programs in celebration of National Music in our Schools Month. The Commissioners issued a proclamation prior to the first performance declaring the month of March as Music in our Schools Month in Douglas County. A copy of the proclamation was presented to each of the schools attending prior to their performance. The proclamation and concert recognize the tremendous impact that music education has on our youth, how it enriches their minds, allows for deeper engagement in all aspects of their learning, and creates a positive outlet that enhances their future success. A copy of the proclamation presentation, as well as recordings of the live performances of all nine musical groups can be found on the Douglas County Government Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountyeGovernment.
“For over 40 years, March has been officially designated as Music in our Schools Month, encouraging communities across the nation to focus on and celebrate the impact that music education has on our youth and our communities. The purpose of our musical celebration today is to raise awareness of the lasting positive impact of music education has on the academic, personal, and professional growth of our local students. Our Music at the Courthouse event is the Commissioners way of thanking our music educators, tutors, teachers, instructors, and community programs throughout Douglas County, who understand the importance of bringing a quality music education in the lives of young people. It also provides a stage to showcase the incredible musical talent of students in our local schools,” stated Board Chair, Commissioner Tom Kress.
The Commissioners were truly honored to host their Annual Music at the Courthouse concert series for the fifth year in a row. This year we had another large turnout of music programs showcasing their musical talents. 211 local students, aged six to eighteen, under the direction of their talented music teachers gathered at the Douglas County Courthouse. The two-and-a-half-hour concert series featured live performances from the following school music programs:
Riddle Junior High School Band Marty Follose Riddle
Riddle High School Band Marty Follose Riddle
North Douglas High School Band Johnny Leal Drain
Glide High School Band Nickolas Perini Glide
Sutherlin High School Vocal Essence Choir Melissa Jmaeff Sutherlin
Glide High School Choir Nickolas Perini Glide
Hucrest Elementary Band Colin Horowitz Roseburg
Oakland Middle School Choir Lisa Powell Oakland
South Umpqua Chamber Ensembles Jeff Soffer Myrtle Creek
“Wow, Douglas County is home to so many incredible musically talented students! We eagerly anticipate this day every year and are thrilled to welcome students from across the county to the courthouse to share their music with us.” commented Commissioner Tim Freeman. “We also want to extend our gratitude to all the music teachers, tutors, instructors, schools, programs, and parents across Douglas County who recognize the significance of introducing music into the lives of young people.”
According to the National Association for Music Education, the purpose of Music in our Schools Month is to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children – and to remind citizens how important it is that children have access to music in our schools. Music in our Schools Month is an opportunity for music teachers to bring their music programs to the attention of the school and the community, and to display the benefits that school music brings to students of all ages.
“Thank you so much for having us here today,” exclaimed Oakland Middle School Music Director Lisa Powell. “And thank you so much Commissioners for supporting arts and music in our schools. It is so vitally important!”
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Media Contact: Tamara Howell | Emergency Communications & Community Engagement Specialist | Douglas County Public Affairs Office | Office: (541) 957-4896 | Cell: (541) 670-2804 | Email: tamara.howelll@douglascountyor.gov
Attached: Proclamation & Photos © K.Rodriguez/Douglas County. Individual photos are available upon request.
