Richard Long

Following graduation from Sheldon High School in 1969, Richard Long left Eugene to study music at the Oberlin Conservatory in Ohio. He returned for degrees in music education at the UO, then was hired right out of college to a teaching job at Cal Young Middle School. "I got transfered to South Eugene," he notes. "I've been there 30 years this fall." Long currently teaches orchestral music half-time at South Eugene and Churchill High Schools, plays bassoon in the Eugene Symphony, and works another half-time as program director for Arts Umbrella. An outgrowth of the Eugene Junior Symphony that he played in as a youth, Arts Umbrella collaborates with area schools to offer instruction and performance opportunities in orchestral music and other performing arts for students from fifth grade through age 21. "Kids bond with their schools through music and arts classes," Long says. "Sadly, funding for the arts has been cut. We're trying to make up the difference." Learn about Arts Umbrella programs and events online at www.artsumbrellausa.org.

happening people photograph and story by Paul Neevel Eugene Weekly / 9 March 2006