Building on the tremendous success of the now world renowned Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra, Professor Rhett Bender of Southern Oregon University has created the Cascade Clarinet Consort (CCC). The Consort utilizes the entire family of clarinets from contra-bass to the Eb sopranino. In a collaborative learning environment, SOU Performing Arts students and faculty work together to compose, arrange and perform music unique to the clarinet. Arrangements and compositions are designed to showcase the facile energy of individuals and the beautiful blend of the clarinet family.
Last Fall the Cascade Clarinet Consort teamed-up with new SOU faculty Dr. Jeffrey Richmond. After listening to the Cascade Clarinet Consort, Dr. Richmond composed Leverage. Richmond conspired with CCC to tailor his composition to match the strengths of the ensemble. Leverage became an instant success and was performed several times in Oregon including a conference in Eugene. The CCC also performs arrangements by Salem, Oregon composer Mike Curtiss and is frequently joined in concert by the Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra.
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