THE CARSON VALLEY POPS
This Douglas County community orchestra annually performs Spring, Fourth of July, Fall, and Winter concerts. The Carson Valley Pops is an all-volunteer, non-profit orchestra. The Pops is supported by donations from Douglas County, concert patrons, local business donations, and program advertising.
CONDUCTOR – CJ BIRCH
CJ Birch was raised in Ashland, KY, where he played baritone and trombone in the school band. After high school, CJ went on the road, selling bibles, very fine, family bibles. When he earned enough money, he purchased his first trombone and 3 weeks of lessons….the rest is history. CJ received a Bachelor of Music Education from Morehead State University and a Master of Music in Trombone from Texas Christian University, where he was assistant Director of Bands. CJ has taught in the public schools of Kentucky, Texas, and Nevada. After a stay in Elko as Band Director, CJ moved to Carson High School where he was Band Director for 30 years.
He has performed with and was a member of the Ft. Worth Symphony, the Schola Cantorum Orchestra, the Nevada Opera Orchestra, the Reno Philharmonic, the Reno Wind Symphony, the Carson City Symphony and the Mile Hi Jazz Band. While at Carson High, he directed orchestras for many musicals at the high school, college and professional levels.
In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, studying about the American Civil War and making presentations on the making of long rifles. E-mail him at cjbirch3@gmail.com
Lee began performing with the Carson Valley Pops Orchestra in 2002. She grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah and has been listening to music or playing it for as long as she can remember. Lee graduated from Utah State University where she played in the orchestra. She also attended Southern Illinois University. In addition to playing in the Carson Valley Pops, for several years she played with the Carson Valley Sinfonia under the direction of John O’Neill and she performs with the Carson City Symphony and various musical ensembles. Lee is a retired elementary school teacher after 31 years. In her free time she enjoys hiking, biking, and traveling.
CARSON VALLEY POPS ORCHESTRA
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Judy Sheldrew, President
Margaret Biggs, Vice President
Teri Howley-Barbera, Treasurer
Kas Monson, Recording Secretary
Paula Crout, Corresponding Secretary
CJ Birch, Conductor
Lee Miles, Concertmaster
DIRECTORS
Paula Crout, Librarian
Allen Lund, Holly Waters, Julie MacMartin,
Lorraine Manatt, Lori Wyke, and Bill Coyle
CARSON VALLEY POPS ORCHESTRA 