“I certainly wouldn't be where I am today without Salem-Keizer's fantastic music program," Lynch said. "I want to give back to the program and community that raised me."

“Salem native Caitlin Lynch is returning home to honor the school district that contributed so deeply to her musical success.
The classically trained musician is hosting a three-day residency for the Salem-Keizer school district with a fundraising concert.”

“Caitlin Lynch and two other Julliard graduates, Michelle Ross and Jia Kim, launched a chamber music series this week in Salem called Project Chamber Music: Willamette Valley. Part of the project involves the trio visiting a handful of orchestra programs in the district.

She and her string trio have been going to orchestra programs at Houck, Leslie, and Claggett Creek middle schools, and South Salem, West Salem, and North Salem high schools this week, performing for them, listening to what they are working on and leading workshops to improve their skills.

The project will culminate with a public performance Saturday at the Historic Elsinore Theatre. They will perform alongside high school students to present a movement of Bach's third Brandenburg Concerto.

"I certainly wouldn't be where I am today without Salem-Keizer's fantastic music program," Lynch said. "I want to give back to the program and community that raised me."

Natalie Pate, Statesman Journal

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“A South Salem High School grad, Lynch attended the Cleveland Institute of Music and The Juilliard School. She now lives in New York City, performing and teaching as a professional violist.

“I feel so indebted to the community and the Salem-Keizer schools. My career is, in part, because of the Salem-Keizer school music program. I want to contribute, mentor and give back to the community that was so instrumental in raising me,” Lynch said. “And also just to bring attention to it, to support and celebrate the high caliber of music education.”

Through Project Chamber Music: Willamette Valley, a program created by Lynch, she and fellow Juilliard graduates violinist Michelle Ross and cellist Jia Kim will visit three middle and high school music programs Sept. 29 through Oct. 1. Schools include Houck, Leslie and Claggett Creek middle schools, and South, West and North high schools.

“We have done this kind of thing a lot, but doing this in Salem has been a long-time dream of mine,” Lynch said.

Following the residency, Lynch and her colleagues will perform a concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Elsinore Theatre.

Carlee Wright, Statesman Journal

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