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In Memoriam

Ernestine ‘Ernie’ Gohrband Oringdulph

Nov. 7, 1932 - Aug. 31, 2017

Ernie earned her BA in music from the University of Idaho and Master’s in Music Education from the University of Austin, Texas, in the 1950s. After graduation she stayed in Texas and taught for two years, then moved to Portland to share her passion for music and the arts with the students and communities in Portland Public Schools. Ernestine married Robert Oringdulph in June of 1957 and soon after began raising their three daughters, Diane, Mary Ann and Judy - all CMC alumni.

Ernie was a tireless advocate for kids and the arts. She taught music skills classes to CMC children, and she and her husband were instrumental in the acquisition and renovation of the Francis Street firehouse in the 1960s to serve as CMC’s home. She was an active parent volunteer and board member for the Center for many years. Her list of other community groups and causes she supported is immense, and includes the Portland Youth Philharmonic, Young Audiences, Art Camps in Sapporo Japan, Beaux Arts Society, Friends of the Performing Arts Center, KBPS Radio, & Stephenson Elementary music program.

A celebration of life will be held at 4:00 PM, Nov. 4, 2017, at the Multnomah Athletic Club. The family has asked that remembrances may be made to the Community Music Center or the Portland Youth Philharmonic.