PASTTENSE Gordon Solie begins long career in 1960 Gordon Solie ‘59, one of PSU’s pioneering professors of music, was a bassoonist for the Portland Symphony Orchestra before even completing his bachelor’s degree. Recruited by Portland State in 1960, Gordon also earned an M.M. at University of Arizona in 1968 and proved to be an outstanding teacher and musician over his 28-year career. Hired first as a bassoonist instructor and director of bands, Gordon also taught conducting, music education, music history and literature, music theory, and his passion: Latin American music. As a musician, he spent many years as a bassoonist with the symphony, and nearly 40 years with the Portland Opera Orchestra as well as with many chamber ensembles. Upon retirement, he became an active board member in REEPS (now RAPS), serving as president and receiving the association’s Outstanding Retired Faculty Award in 2000. He serves on RAPS’ History Preservation Committee and has been instrumental in researching and establishing a database on the Music Department’s graduates. As a professor emeritus of music, Gordon’s artistic interests continue to evolve. He has published music for woodwind instruments for 10 years, established Editions VIENTO, a nonprofit organization, and has 250 works published with 20 composers and arrangers in nine countries. Past Tense features glimpses into Portland State’s history. To submit a story (or an idea for one), email the RAPS History Preservation Committee at raps@pdx.edu.
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