About Us

A Missoula Community Orchestra

Garden City Strings (GCS) is a dedicated group of amateur and semi-professional string musicians who meet weekly. The group was founded by Margaret Baldridge through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (MOLLI) at the University of Montana. After enjoying their initial class, the members decided to continue meeting even after the course ended.

Since its inception in 2019, Garden City Strings has provided performances that engage and inspire music lovers of all ages. GCS is committed to promoting and performing string orchestra music in the Missoula area. Currently, the orchestra features a full range of instrumentation and is always looking for more individuals to join. They welcome all adults who play, or have played, string instruments and wish to reconnect with music.

Director: Don Jaramillo

Mr. Don Jaramillo has served in numerous educational positions. Most recently he completed his career as Principal (retired) at Etiwanda High School, in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. Prior to his administrative role, Mr. Jaramillo was the director of bands for the award winning Etiwanda High School instrumental music program.
While at Etiwanda the music program earned national reputation in the areas of Concert, Jazz and Marching Band. Under his leadership, his groups were finalist at several Bands of America Grand National Marching Band Championships, his jazz ensembles performed at the renown Montreux, Switzerland and Vienne, France International Jazz Festivals, a performance at the BOA National Concert Band Festival in Chicago, Illinois, as well as an participant in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. Additionally, Mr. Jaramillo has served as a guest conductor for both junior high and high school honor groups and has presented numerous music education presentations across the US, including the Mid-West Band and Orchestra Conference in Chicago, Illinois.

Mr. Jaramillo has served as adjunct faculty at California State University Fullerton and California State University Long Beach. He has also been recognized with awards, such as the Honorary Life Member Award from the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association for outstanding record as a music educator. Most recently, Mr. Jaramillo was inducted into the Music For All “Bands of America Hall of Fame.”

While Mr. Jaramillo has retired, he remains active in the educational world serving as an advisory member to the Dr. William P. Foster Award Project of Excellence and is currently the conductor of the Missoula, Montana Garden City Strings and the Community Concert Band. Additionally, he is actively composing and arranging music for concert bands, string orchestra and jazz bands.

Lastly, in the fall of 2024, Mr. Jaramillo was highlighted in Stephen Meyer’s, GIA’s Publication, “Rehearsing the Marching Band” Volume 2.