 Ray Clithero
has played bassoon in the SWW Symphony from almost the beginning of the
orchestra under founder, Irv Gattiker. His steady playing, accurate intonation
and fine musicianship has earned the respect of his fellow members and
the appreciation of all three conductors with whom he has worked for
over 33 years.
After a tour in the U. S. Air Force, Ray earned a B.
A. in Music from Fresno State in 1959. He taught band and orchestra in
California, but spent most of his 40 year career in education teaching
music at Monticello Middle School in Longview. He was an administrator
at Monticello for his last eight years at that school.
His musical leadership not only shows in his fine playing,
he has been president of the SWW Music Educators (two terms), president
(two terms) of the Washington State Unit of the National School Orchestra
Association, as well as president of the symphony board for five years.
On several occasions he was woodwind section leader for Washington All-State
and All-Northwest High School orchestras. 
Ray is a most capable conductor, too. He studied conducting
with Herbert Blomstedt, who later became musical director of the San
Francisco Symphony. He has led orchestras in community productions
of West Side Story, The Wizard of Oz, Oklahoma, and several other shows.
This, of course, in addition to conducting his school groups in hundreds
of concerts over the years.
But his contribution to the community goes beyond the
musical. Ray Clithero was an active member of the Cowlitz County Search
and Rescue organization, spending over 1,350 hours in SAR activities
between 2000 and 2005. He still participates in Cowlitz County Amateur
Radio Emergency Services, among other emergency activities. In fact,
his activities and accomplishments in this area, both locally and in
the northwest are very impressive.
Ray's wife, Janet, who is a superb violinist and who
served several years as concert-mistress of the symphony, suffered a
stroke in 2005. Janet's condition makes it necessary for Ray to be her
primary caregiver.
Deena Martinsen, symphony manager, says, "we are so fortunate
and blessed to have had the leadership as well as the musical contribution
of Ray Clithero for so many years. He's a solid rock for us all and we
value him very much."
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