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At the end of the year we pay tribute to a few of the CMC community members who have passed on before us.

Charles "Chuck" Bateman was a participant in the CMC Renaissance Winds program for about 40 years, starting in the 1980s. He was a multi-instrumentalist who played recorder, cornetto, sordune, rackett and renaissance flute in the ensembles, and also played in the Reed College Collegium Musicum and sang in the choir at All Saints Episcopal Church. His cheerful demeanor, musical skill and wonderful sense of humor will be greatly missed by teachers, class members, and staff alike. 

Erik Jon Johnson, passed away unexpectedly in October 2022. After earning Bachelor of Arts in Music and Master of Music Education degrees he was employed as a middle school music teacher directing beginning, intermediate, concert and jazz bands. During this time, Erik was proud of growing the school’s band program and was excited to be able to share his love of music with more students by adding guitar classes as well. Due to Erik’s passion for music and music education, the family chose CMC as a recipient of most of his instruments. We thank them for their thoughtfulness and generosity. You may leave words of condolence at www.lindfuneralhome.com.

James Zachary Leste was born in Chicago, Illinois, on May 14, 1984. James grew up in Oakland, California, where he fell in love with music, tapping into the local punk rock and ska scene as a teenager. He taught himself to play numerous instruments, including the guitar, bass, drums, and vocals, and became a prolific songwriter. James crisscrossed the entire country with various bands bringing music to fans, and eventually settled into his passion as a composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist on various projects. Several individuals have donated to CMC in his memory. For more information, see www.jamesleste.com.

Leora Stein Werner had been involved with CMC her whole life, from early-child music classes with her mom, to violin lessons and chamber music through elementary and high school, to parent-child classes with her daughter, to CMC supporter. Leora was taught by many teachers at CMC including Clarisse Atcherson, Naomi Blumberg, and Leo Whitlow. Her mother Shera Sinell has been a CMC instructor for decades, and also a board member for several years, and her step father Andrew Ehrlich also is a long-time faculty member. The sadness of Leora’s passing this fall was felt throughout the CMC community. Several individuals have donated to CMC in her memory. If you’d like to learn more, including how to support the family, see: everloved.com/life-of/leora-werner/obituary.

If there are other CMC community members you feel we should add to this page, please contact the director at cmc@portlandoregon.gov.