ODELL — For over 20 years, conductor Mark Steighner has graciously led the Gorge Sinfonietta, a principal ensemble within the Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association (CGOA). That storied tenure reached its final chapter at Wy’East Middle School on June 21, where flittering piano melodies, booming horns, and elegant strings rounded out CGOA’s epic 2025-2026 season finale, “Piano Summit.”

On Oct. 20, 18 students of Kendra Apland participated in their annual Halloween recital at Down Manor for residents. Whether playing violin or…