Alumnus Directs High School Band to 2008 Olympics in Beijing

The South Salem Wind Ensemble, directed by Mary Lou Boderman (’76) has been chosen to perform during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Mary Lou is an alumnus of Columbia Christian College.

The group will have major performance obligations in Shanghai and Beijing, and will perform during events leading up to the Opening Ceremonies on Aug. 8, 2008. South Salem is the only Oregon ensemble chosen for this honor.

The Wind Ensemble as part of South Salem's music department has been recognized three times by the Grammy Foundation. In 2005 and 2006, South Salem was among six schools in the nation to be recognized as a Grammy Signature Schools Gold award winner. 

Mary Lou has received national recognition for excellence in music education, most recently being names 2008 Music Educator of the Year by the Oregon Music Educators Association, an honor she has received many other years as well.

She and her husband, Don (’76), served on the staff at Columbia for many years before moving to Salem.  Don currently serves on the Board of Governors for Cascade College as well as working as the Director of the Student Enrichment Program at Western Oregon University.  All three of their children, Nathan (’03), Lindsay (’07) and Adam, are alumni of Cascade.

Dr. June Breninger, Professor of Psychology stated: “Mary Lou, Don, Nathan, Lindsay, and Adam have been great blessings to Columbia Christian and Cascade College.  Mary Lou’s life continues to be an amazing blend of excellence and humility. She lives out her life of faith in her relationships with family, colleagues, and students.”