A week ago, I had the pleasure of having a few beers with John Driscoll, the Executive Director of the Missoula Symphony Orchestra. My girlfriend and his wife are cousins, so we make it a point to see them when we are in Montana. This time, they took us to enjoy a pint of Fresh Bongwater Pale Ale at Kettlehouse Brewing Company. They also offer a brew called Old Bongwater, but since it is summer, the lighter option sounded more appealing. Rocky mountain high, indeed.

John said a few words that grabbed my attention. He was talking about the recently completed two year search to hire a new music director/conductor for the Missoula Symphony. They looked at 150 resumes and eventually narrowed it down to five candidates. They then flew the finalists out to audition with the orchestra. Technical chops were not the deciding factor in hiring the new conductor: all of the candidates were skilled behind the podium. John told me that it came down to their ability to fit in with the community. John said that Serbian-born Darko Butorac was a guy who was equally at ease sipping beers in pub or attending a black tie affair. Small towns won’t put up with snooty or uppity people. The local press seems to hint that their initial impressions of Darko are favorable.

Portland may be bigger, but I think we still have a similar attitude. Community matters. Being kind to your neighbors is important. What do you think?