May 31: SW Band Celebrates 10 Years

[May 29, 2026]

Submitted by Wade Wisler for the Southwest Portland Community Band

The Southwest Portland Community Band (SWPCB) celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2026.

Clarinetist Kristin Rencher founded the ensemble with the goal of helping people of all ages to discover—or rediscover—the joy and healing power of music. The non-profit band was also an opportunity for lapsed musicians in the community to come back to instruments they played years ago. Founded in collaboration with current director and Ida B. Wells High School band teacher Nick Caldwell, the band gathered around 20 players in its first year. Its first concert, in spring 2016, featured three works, including a band arrangement of Jean Sibelius’ famous orchestral work "Finlandia." 

Now boasting more than 50 players, the band uses its two annual concerts, spring and winter, to raise funds for the Wells music program, primarily for the purchase of new instruments. Some of the percussion instruments at Wells are as old as the school itself (68 years) and are in need of replacement. Two years ago, the band raised enough money to purchase a new set of chimes, and last year it replaced the old vibraphone. This year the fundraising goal is instruments (both wind and percussion) as well as funds to cover the cost of professional musicians to help the young players at Wells with technical development and musicianship.

The band’s tenth anniversary spring concert takes place on Sunday, May 31, at 5pm at the Multnomah Arts Center. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated. Pizza, salad and beverages will be available, including microbrews, wine and sparkling water.

For this special anniversary program, the band decided to play favorite works from previous concerts over the past ten years, including "Finlandia," from its inaugural concert. Other works include:

• "Volver a la Montaña" by Shelley Hanson (from spring 2024 concert)

• "Moment for Morricone" by Ennio Morricone (from spring 2023 concert)

• "October" by Eric Whitacre (from spring 2017 concert)

• "Drums of the Saamis" (The Merger of the First Nations and Modern Albertan Cultures) by Samuel Hazo (from spring 2022 concert)

• "The Universal Judgement" by Camile de Nardis (from spring 2018 concert)

One of the highlights of the program is "Pantomime," a beautiful piece for band and solo euphonium by Philip Sparke. Designed to show off both the lyrical and technical prowess of the instrument, the piece draws on the varied characters of the Italian Commedia dell'Arte

tradition for its wide emotional range. The soloist is Adam Graves, a member of the band since its founding in 2016. Since he and his family are moving from Portland this summer, this is his last concert. The band added this piece to the program as a tribute, send-off, and a thank you for ten years of music and service.