This month's episode is short and sweet as we prepare for a very busy February and March. Michele chats with choreographer and dance teacher Susan Sorensen about West Side Story and we have our first Top Ten list. Plus news, the contest, Chill Chamber Music and "Mark's Classroom." Send ideas for future episodes to: [email protected]. 

It's our biggest show ever, including a very special interview with Sam Baker about his upcoming appearance with the Sinfonietta, plus we talk to Voci member and early music devotee Brian Litt about our newest ensemble, Canticum. We talk holiday music, and some new trends in symphony concert etiquette. Weigh in at [email protected] and you might win our limited edition CGOA t-shirt. Tickets and more at gorgeorchestra.org. Listen to Sam Baker with Terry Gross on NPR's Fresh Air here (https://www.npr.org/2014/05/06/310089151/sam-baker-finding-grace-in-the-wake-of-destruction)

This month, interviews with music educators and CGOA performers Corin Parker (director of the CGOA Youth Chorus) and Dan Kenealy (Hood River Valley HS). We learn why jazz rocks, what Clint Eastwood has to do with the podcast and there's A NEW NAME THAT TUNE CONTEST. Find out what's coming up at gorgeorchestra.org!

We've got a very full month of performances, including MURDER BALLAD opening October 3, a special celebration at the Hood River County History Museum on October 9, and the WORLD TOUR concerts with Sinfonietta. Special guests on this episode are Jim Garrett (Principal viola) and Erica Roulier, who has helped create our new exhibit at the museum. Oh, and a NEW CONTEST! Tickets and info at gorgeorchestra.org.

CGOA Stages presents MURDER BALLAD, a rock musical written in 2012 by Julia Jordan and Juliana Nash. It opens on October 3 at the River City Saloon. This special podcast episode includes an extended interview with the composer, and a roundtable discussion with the cast. Plus, clips of the songs! Tickets available at gorgeorchestra.org

Welcome! This month we focus on the Last Chance Dance (September 28) with an interview with Jazz Collective drummer Mike Grodner. Plus a little information about Stages' MURDER BALLAD and Emily Vawter talks about becoming a CGOA volunteer. Ticket and season info at gorgeorchestra.org