High Desert Chamber Music (HDCM) revealed the six Bend-area musicians selected for its 2026‑27 Spotlight Chamber Players program, a flagship educational outreach that gives young artists the chance to study and perform chamber music together.
Selected students
The cohort includes piano players Elizabeth Cape and Harper Renfroe, cellists Peyton Cape and Samuel Weed, and violinists Parker Carlson and Ezra Oncken. All are between 12 and 17 years old and attend local schools such as Trinity Lutheran School, Redmond Proficiency Academy, Cascades Academy, Mountain View High School, and Caldera High School.
Program background and support
Since its inception in 2008, the Spotlight Chamber Players program has provided Central Oregon youth with intensive coaching, ensemble rehearsals, and performance opportunities. The program is fully sponsored by Brooks Resources Corporation, reflecting a strong partnership between the arts and the regional business community.
Auditions were held earlier this year, drawing applicants from the private teaching studios of Jay Bednorz (Cascade School of Music), Peter Brownlee, Kara Eubanks (Willamette Violin Academy), Suzanne Gainey, and Lenore Gilbert. HDCM Founder and Executive Director Isabelle Senger said, “One of my favorite things about the Spotlight Chamber Players is watching students discover what they can accomplish together through music. Seeing them learn to trust each other and find their place within an ensemble over the course of the year is one of the most rewarding parts of this program.”
Mission and upcoming season
HDCM’s broader mission is to bring exceptional chamber music and musicians to Central Oregon. Over its nineteen‑season history, the organization has presented concerts featuring distinguished artists from around the world while offering free educational outreach that connects professional musicians with students throughout the region.
Community members are invited to attend performances throughout the 2026‑27 season, which will showcase the Spotlight Chamber Players alongside guest artists. The concerts aim to foster a deeper appreciation for live chamber music and to inspire the next generation of musicians.
Why this matters for families and faith communities
For families seeking enriching extracurricular activities, the program offers a structured, values‑centered environment where young people develop discipline, teamwork, and artistic excellence. Local churches and faith‑based groups often support the arts as a means of nurturing the whole child, aligning with the community’s commitment to strong family foundations and personal liberty.
High Desert Chamber Music encourages parents, educators, and community leaders to attend upcoming concerts and to consider supporting the organization’s educational outreach, which continues to be a vital cultural resource for Bend and the surrounding Central Oregon area.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
