The Chamber Music Society of Harney County will honor Myrna Tuning at their Spring Concert on Sunday, March 17, 2024, in the Burns High School Cafetorium. 

Myrna Tuning, along with Ken Peckham, Bill Martin, Chuck Roberts, and Sally Heerwagon, started the Chamber Music Society with a meeting in November of 1979. According to her article in the Eastern Oregon! Magazine from April 5, 1982, “It began after much thought and discussion, of five musicians who missed the opportunity to perform, the fellowship of other musicians, and a reason to practice and keep skills up-to-date.” A questionnaire in the Burns Times-Herald revealed quite a few people in the community who played a variety of instruments, or had played them in the past, and an even larger number were interested in supporting and attending performances. “Some of the musicians had long since lost or sold their instruments, but others were found for loan or sale in the community or loaned by the schools if students weren’t using them” said Tuning.

The Chamber Music Society’s first concert was in 1980 and included a couple of orchestral numbers, as well as some small instrumental and vocal groups. Aside from a few professionals (teachers), most were amateurs who hadn’t played anywhere from 18 up to 50 years. Tuning said, “I’m sure the “pros” came to close to heart attacks, but they were patient and slowly we were able to build up to performing the Messiah.” 

“From the start, we had wonderful community leaders who served on the Board, taking care of finances, business, and receptions so the musicians could just make music” said Tuning. “We did our best to look (and act) professional. While we did use the auditorium at the Junior High, the stairs were difficult for older patrons, so the Nazarene Church and BHS Cafetorium were made available to us.”

Tuning represented Harney County with Chamber Music Society from 1980-1997, and was president for five years. She was also honored with the Oregon State Arts Commission Community Service Award for her work with the Regional Arts Council. 

To get students interested in music and before the Chamber Music Society started concerts, Tuning took her violin, along with pianist, Ethel Johnson, and cellist, Sally Heerwagon, and traveled to the outlying schools to introduce fun classics to the kids. She said, “It was really quite an experience!”

The concert begins at 3 p.m. with local musicians. The event is free to everyone. Donations will be accepted and a reception will follow the concert.