Bringing Music to Our Community
The Gig Harbor Peninsula Civic Orchestra (GHPCO) is a vibrant group of musicians who share a passion for making music together. Since 2004, we’ve explored a wide range of repertoire: from timeless classics like Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms to contemporary works, jazz, and even show tunes. Under the leadership of Matthew Underwood, the orchestra combines musical expertise with curiosity, creativity, and a touch of humor to create performances that delight our audiences.
We welcome musicians of all backgrounds and skill levels. Whether you’re a returning player or someone picking up an instrument for the first time in years, GHPCO offers a friendly and supportive environment to grow, perform, and enjoy music. Rehearsals take place Thursday evenings at Peninsula High School in Gig Harbor.
Perform & Grow
Engage the Community
Foster a Love of Music
Who can join the Gig Harbor Peninsula Civic Orchestra?
We welcome skilled amateur musicians of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you’re returning to an instrument or playing regularly, there’s a place for you in our orchestra.
When and where does the orchestra rehearse?
Rehearsals are held on Thursday evenings at Peninsula High School in Gig Harbor. Exact times and schedule details are available on our website.
Do I need to audition to join?
Yes, auditions help us place musicians in the appropriate section and ensure a balanced ensemble. The process is supportive and designed to highlight your strengths. Please contact us to audition.
How can I attend a concert?
Concerts are open to the public. You can check our Concerts page for dates, times, and ticket information. Many performances are free or donation-based.
How can I support the orchestra?
You can support GHPCO by making a donation, becoming a sponsor, volunteering, or attending concerts. Every contribution helps keep live music alive in our community.
What types of music does the orchestra perform?
Our repertoire ranges from classical masterpieces by Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms to contemporary works, jazz, popular tunes, and music from modern composers. There’s something for every listener to enjoy.
Can’t find answer to your question?
Whether you’re a first-time concertgoer, a prospective musician, or someone interested in supporting the orchestra, we’ve put together answers to some of the questions we hear most often. If your question isn’t listed here, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly!
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors manages the business end of the orchestra including schedules, funds, community relationships, and scheduling.
Wendy Rawlings
President
Matthew Underwood
Executive Director
Gary McCabe
Treasurer
Heather DePree
Board Member
Mona Willis
Board Member
Mariam Sholtz
Historian
Jen Cohen
Librarian
Conductor
The conductor brings the music to life, uniting the orchestra’s sound and inspiring both musicians and audience alike.
Matthew Underwood
Conductor
Violin I
The first violins often carry the melody and set the musical tone, leading the orchestra with clarity and expression.
Brianna Howland
Violin I
Erica Palmer
Violin I
Heather DePree
Violin I
Holly Turley
Violin I
Nancy Poppe
Violin I
Shaaron Droke
Violin I
Stephanie Cain
Violin I
Wendy Rawlings
Violin I
Violin II
Violin II adds depth and warmth, blending melodies and harmonies to complete the orchestra’s voice.
Becky Johnson
Violin II
Betty Moore
Violin II
Brenda McCormick
Violin II
Jonathan Stanley
Violin II
Mariam Sholtz
Violin II
Mimi Fielding
Violin II
Patrick Williams
Violin II
Sarah Cox
Violin II
Shirley Herridge
Violin II
Teresa Orris
Violin II
Tim Olson
Violin II
Viola
With its warm, mellow tone, the viola brings depth and color to the music.
Ben Beers
Viola
Bri Mears
Viola
Candace Dautel
Viola
Clara Binnington
Viola
Lauren Luedeke
Viola
Cello
With its deep, warm voice, the cello adds richness and heart to every performance.
Keira Merwine
Cello
Nancy Perillo
Cello
Olivia McKie
Cello
Rebecca Floyd
Cello
String Bass
The string bass provides the lowest notes in the orchestra, giving depth and power to the music.
Bri Mears
String Bass
Jeff Oeterson
String Bass
Piccolo
Though small in size, the piccolo adds brilliance and excitement, often soaring above the orchestra.
Mona Willis
Piccolo
Flute
The flute is a versatile woodwind known for its clear, bright tone and ability to play both melody and harmony.
Dee Dee Babich
Flute
Mona Willis
Flute
Pat Constantino
Flute
Oboe
With its rich, expressive sound, the oboe adds warmth and character to the orchestra’s music.
Lora Duncan
Oboe
English Horn
The English horn is a larger relative of the oboe, known for its warm, haunting tone and lyrical melodies.
We are seeking English horn players. Please contact us to audition.
Clarinet
From soft and gentle to lively and bright, the clarinet can play almost any role in the music.
Gary McCabe
Clarinet
Bassoon
The bassoon is a low woodwind instrument known for its rich, reedy tone and wide range.
We are seeking bassoon players. Please contact us to audition.
French Horn
The horn section is often called the “bridge” of the orchestra, uniting the power of the brass with the warmth of the woodwinds.
Jane Mouatassim
French Horn
Victoria King
French Horn
Trumpet
Loud, bright, and full of personality, the trumpet adds excitement and joy to the music.
Lew Asmussen
Trumpet
Stephen Stewart
Trumpet
Trombone
With its warm and commanding sound, the trombone adds depth, drama, and excitement to the orchestra.
Jen Cohen
Trombone
Laura Bundren
Trombone
Paul Bogotaj
Trombone
Tuba
The tuba is the largest brass instrument, providing the low notes that form the foundation of the orchestra’s harmony.
We are seeking tuba players. Please contact us to audition.
Percussion
The percussion section includes drums, cymbals, and other instruments that provide rhythm, color, and energy to the orchestra.
Bob Koehnke Jr.
Percussion
Corey Berman
Percussion
Kris Underwood
Percussion
Sonja Johnson
Percussion
Timpani
Timpani set the beat and add dramatic flair, making the music feel alive and powerful.
Bob Koehnke Jr.
Timpani
Keyboards
With its wide range and expressive tone, the keyboard can be both powerful and delicate, enriching the music in countless ways.
Corey Berman
Keyboards