About Salem Philharmonia Orchestra
Mission & Objectives
The Salem Philharmonia Orchestra provides an opportunity for musicians and audiences in Salem, Oregon and the surrounding communities to participate in affordable performances of high quality symphonic literature.
The objectives of the Salem Philharmonia Orchestra are simple: to make live symphonic music easily accessible to the community at a low cost and to give community members an opportunity to play in a symphony orchestra.
Our History
The Salem Philharmonia orchestra, an all-volunteer, community symphony orchestra, owes its existence to the inspiration and leadership of its founding Artistic Director, Dr. Sean Paul Mills. The first rehearsal, on February 7, 2012, was the culmination of three years of planning by Dr. Sean Paul Mills, Artistic Director, and Terry Rohse, Artistic Adviser.
The Salem Philharmonia Orchestra currently produces a series of 5 concert sets per year for the benefit of members of our community. Previously, the orchestra performed for several years at Chemeketa Community College in Salem. Since fall of 2021, performances have been held at East Salem Community Center.
Artistic Director & Conductor
Jonathan DeBruyn grew up in Lake Oswego, Oregon in a musical household, and was exposed to classical music from a young age. He received his BM in Violin Performance from Portland State University, studying with Carol Sindell, and completed his MM in Orchestral Conducting at the University of Oregon with Dr. David Jacobs. He was a Conducting Fellow with the Eugene Symphony for the 2018-2019 season, has guest conducted with the Beaverton Symphony and the Sunnyside Symphony, and in 2021 was named a Faber Conducting Fellow with the American Austrian Foundation. In 2022 he was named the conductor of the “Young Artists Debut!” concerto competition. In 2023 he was named the Music Director of the Sunnyside Symphony, as well as the Artistic Director of the Salem Philharmonia. He has performed as a violinist with many local orchestras, including the Portland Columbia Symphony, the Newport Symphony, and the Eugene Symphony. He has conducted as far as Canada, Poland, Austria, and the Czech Republic. In his free time, he enjoys drawing, reading, and practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He is the son of composer Randall DeBruyn.
Executive Director
Kami Hettwer has always been deeply passionate about music education and has had the privilege of serving in various administrative capacities. Currently, she continues to serve as the Executive Director of the Salem Youth Symphony, a role that has allowed her to witness firsthand the transformative power of music in young lives. Prior to her current position, she served as the Education Outreach Director for the Grace Goudy Distinguished Artist Series and was actively involved with the Salem Chamber Orchestra and the Oregon Music Education Association. Kami’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. Outside of her administrative roles, she is a part-time collaborative pianist and the elementary general music specialist at Santiam Christian Schools in Adair Village, Oregon. Kami’s commitment to music is shared with her husband, Mike Hettwer, a retired band director and professional horn player. Together, they have raised three children, all active professional musicians.
The Musicians
Violin I
Sidran Olson – Concert Master
Barb Burton
Nakai Colmenares-Hawe
Thanh Mai Dotran
Brooke Funk
Cathy Heithaus
Ellen LaMora
Jan Miller
Laura Owens
David Rand
Kate Ratcliffe
Julie Rundquist
Dinah Smith
Albert Yen
Natalie Yen
Violin II
Sarah Klein, Principal
Georgann Cundiff
Lori Dressel
Andrew Fischbacher
Cindy Flores
Brenna Geiger
Melanie Jones
Kim McCoy
Yulia Niece
Westley Starling
Doreen Thorusen
Viola
Paul Schmidt, Principal
Alex Cortes
Kim Evander
David SangHa-Heyen
Willy Kohne
Christina Sauer
Cello
Deborah Ward, Principal
Cynthia Byrnes
Claire Dietz
Josh Koller
Tommi Leinonen
Becca Owen
Emily Rodgers
Emma Smith
Bass
Steven Corrales, Principal
Jeff Graham
Dianna Lysgaard, Guest
Roger Webster
Flute & Piccolo
Carlos Velez, Principal
Michelle Brecunier
Julie Rodgers
Oboe & English horn
Jaclyn LaRue, Principal
Qusavon Pathoumsat
Clarinet
Sara Truelove, Principal
Tessa Butler
Bassoon
Kerry Mammone, Principal
Hilary Port
Contra Bassoon
Bill Stivers
Horn
Derek Gustafson, Principal
Kurt Chandler
Susan Friesen
Cassidy Vela
Trumpet
Zichao Liu
Trombone
Brian Wilson, Principal
Brian Gingerich
Kyler McNaught
Tuba
Dale Wilhelm
Timpani/Percussion
Heather Henderson, Principal
Phil Rundquist
Jason Schubothe
Carly Scott
Opportunities for Musicians
If you are looking for a friendly orchestra that performs outstanding symphonic repertoire, we encourage you to give us a try. All members will be asked to auditions. Please contact our executive director at information@salemphil.org to inquire about openings.
Come Hear Us Play!
We offer live concerts for residents and visitors of the Salem, Oregon area! Discover what composers and compositions are next in our line-up and buy tickets online.