They’ve seen hundreds of faces, and they’ve marimba’d them all

The Dalles, Ore., May 15, 2026 — The sound of handcrafted marimbas echoed through senior centers, community spaces and the Oregon Veterans Home on Wednesday and Thursday as Colonel Wright Elementary students wrapped up a series of community performances across The Dalles.

The concerts featured 34 first- through fifth-grade students led by music instructors Ramona Harwood and Sonia Schatz, who brought the school’s marimba program to audiences throughout the city on May 13 and 14.

Harwood said the performances were met with enthusiastic crowds and warm reactions from community members, many of whom clapped, sang along and thanked the students after the shows.

“Our team today is comprised of 34 of our first through fifth graders,” Harwood wrote in materials shared during the performances. “We hope you enjoy them.”

Students performed music written by Walt Hampton, whose marimba compositions have become staples in Northwest school and community percussion programs.

The instruments themselves carry a community story of their own.

The Rosebush marimbas used in the performances were handcrafted by Peter Bush of Estacada and purchased through donations and sponsorships from local organizations and businesses, including Rotary Club, Griffith Motors, Beachwood, Cascade Square, the North Wasco County Education Foundation and Colonel Wright parents.

Transportation for the student musicians was provided by the Kiwanis Club, allowing the group to travel between performances throughout The Dalles.

For Harwood, who recently announced her retirement after seven years leading the program, the concerts also served as a celebration of what the community helped build — a music program that connected elementary students with audiences far beyond the classroom.

The performances brought students face-to-face with residents at senior living centers and care facilities, turning the concerts into more than a school music event. In many cases, the performances became intergenerational gatherings, with students sharing upbeat rhythms and coordinated performances for audiences who may not regularly attend live music events.

Harwood thanked the community organizations, parents and donors who helped sustain the program over the years.

“These beautiful Rosebush Marimbas were crafted by Peter Bush of Estacada,” she wrote. “They were donated by Rotary Club, Griffith Motors, Beachwood, Cascade Square, Education Foundation and Colonel Wright Parents — all of whom we are so very grateful.”