Hillsboro Symphony Orchestra

The Hillsboro Symphony Orchestra (HSO) is a community-based ensemble that has been providing the Washington County area with family-friendly musical experiences since its inception. The orchestra's mission is to offer entertainment, education, and cultural opportunities to its audience while also serving as a creative outlet for the personal growth of its members. The HSO is comprised of a dedicated group of amateur musicians who volunteer their time and talents without compensation, united by a love for symphonic music and a commitment to enriching the local community's cultural life. HSO's history dates back to its debut concert on November 16, 2001, when a group of less than 30 musicians gathered for their first rehearsal. Despite uncertainties about their conductor and repertoire, these musicians were driven by a shared passion for music. The orchestra was established to provide a platform for amateur musicians from across Washington County to perform and to offer the community an accessible way to engage with classical music. The diversity of the orchestra is reflected in its members, who range from high school students to retirees and come from various professional backgrounds, including physicians, engineers, and stay-at-home parents. The orchestra's inaugural concert took place at Thomas Middle School under the direction of conductor Stefan Minde. Although the audience was modest, it marked the beginning of what would grow into a robust community orchestra, now boasting nearly 80 members. HSO presents a series of three concerts annually—Fall, Winter, and Spring programs—allowing local musicians to showcase their talents and providing community members with an affordable avenue to enjoy a range of symphonic works. HSO is open to all interested musicians and continues to be a diverse group of individuals of various ages and backgrounds. Musicians volunteer their time to perform and improve their skills, offering an entertaining and educational musical experience to a broad audience. The current conductor of the HSO is Jeff Hornick, a seasoned music educator with over 25 years of experience in the Portland Metro area. A Hillsboro High School and Lewis and Clark College alumnus, Hornick has dedicated much of his life to music in the Portland area and is a member of several professional music associations. He is also the conductor of the Al Kader Shrine Concert Band. Sharon Northe, who has a distinguished career as a band director and flutist, is the Conductor Emeritus of HSO. She led the orchestra from 2002 until her retirement and has performed internationally with various ensembles. The HSO is governed by a board of directors, which consists of volunteers, many of whom are musicians within the orchestra. The board includes Tiffany Lai as President, Janelle Youngblood as Secretary, Wesley Pollock as Treasurer, Linda Saari as PR Manager, Tracy Burridge as Business/Corporate Liaison, and Alex Hryn as Personnel Manager. The board's past presidents have played significant roles in the development and success of the orchestra. The Hillsboro Symphony Orchestra is a testament to the power of community and the arts, providing a space for musicians to come together and share their passion while contributing to the cultural fabric of Washington County.