>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

This year's Lanetta Paul and Friends recital Dec. 15 may be happening during the Christmas season but it is not a Christmas concert.

It is, however, a gift. The recipients are the community and Eastern Oregon University music students who benefit from scholarship money raised.

The Lanetta Paul and Friends Series started in 1997 with a little friendly arm twisting from Peter Wordelman. The music faculty member then also worked part time fund-raising through the college's development office and suggested Paul start a recital and ask for donations.

The private music teacher of piano, flute and organ who also accompanies the Grande Ronde Community Choir and plays organ at the United Methodist Church thought that was a grand idea.

The response from performers and the public has been positive.

"Everybody loves to perform, Paul said. "I don't think I've ever had anybody turn me down."

Paul starts contacting musicians in September to play in the December recital and rehearses each group individually.

Money raised from the recital goes to the Don and Lanetta Paul Music Scholarship at Eastern Oregon University. The Pauls have matched funds donated dollar for dollar.

For two years now, EOU students have been receiving scholarships based on interest from the account.

This year the recital includes not only seasoned performers but also students.

Four of Lisa Robertson's violin students will play a concerto, Malia Anderson, a La Grande High School senior, will be singing, while her father, Bruce the attorney, and a Wordelman trumpet student, Adelquis Solomon from Ecuador, will play.

"Every year I think I don't have to do this anymore," Paul said, "but Peter's enthusiasm keeps me going."

Even though the recital is not a Christmas concert, the season cannot be ignored. The traditional finale is the singing of a Christmas carol by the congregation. Everyone joins in.

"It's just a glorious sound because most people in the audience are also musical," Paul said.

That, and the scholarship money raised, is music to her ears.

— Jeff Petersen