Welcome to PCWB!

Portland Community Wind Band (PCWB) is dedicated to enriching our community through excellence in music performance and education. We strive to provide a challenging and engaging environment for our members while reaching out to the community through large and small ensemble performances.

PCWB is in its eighth season and is led by Dr. Patrick Murphy. The band performs 6-8 times per year and is comprised of adult and high school musicians who enjoy playing intermediate to advanced wind band music.

PCWB was founded in 2005 by Cynthia Plank, who now plays as a member of the band.

This is a 501(c)(3) organization. Tax deductable donations are gratefully accepted.

Musicians interested in joining PCWB are invited to read our FAQ and contact Patrick Murphy to inquire about section openings and an audition. New members please join the PCWB Yahoo group for band communications. Regular rehearsals are held at Beaumont Middle School throughout the school year on Tuesday nights from 7-9 PM.   Rehearsals begin promptly at 7:00, so please allow yourself time for individual warm-up and tuning.

For other questions, please contact PCWB President Janet Tolopka by Email or by postal mail c/o Portland Community Wind Band at PO Box 12324, Portland, OR 97212.

Dr. Patrick Murphy is the conductor of the Portland Community Wind Band and serves as Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Portland. At UP he conducts the Wind Symphony and Pep Band, coordinates wind chamber music activities, and teaches courses in music education, theory, and conducting. Prior to returning to the Northwest in 2008, he taught in the public schools of California, Ohio, and Nebraska.

Dr. Murphy’s degrees include a D.M.A. from The University of Arizona in Wind Conducting, and Music Education degrees from the University of Minnesota (M.A.) and Washington State University (B.M.). He has presented sessions at regional music education conferences and at the national convention of the College Band Directors National Association. His historical research focuses primarily on Soviet wind band music, about which he is consulted by conductors and researchers worldwide, and he helps music educators develop both teaching and advocacy strategies. In addition, Dr. Murphy has conducted numerous honor ensembles, has dozens of musical theatre conducting credits, and is an active adjudicator and clinician. He is married to his wonderful wife, Susan, and they have three children: Belle, Jayden, and Shaylin.

PCWB is interested in expanding its concert venues. If you would like to host a concert, please contact Bridgette Smith bridgettesmith@kw.com.