ALUMNI UPDATE: BRENDA RAY SCOTT

Posted on October 21, 2020

CELEBRATING ONE YEAR WITH THE BLANCHET HOUSE OF HOSPITALITY By Brenda Ray Scott (Prep 1980-1984)

I am excited to be celebrating my first year as Development Director with Blanchet House of Hospitality. This Portland-based human services organization has focused for many years on alleviating suffering and giving hope for a better life through its meal service, residential shelter, and clothing programs. The... Read More ›

ALUMNI UPDATE: CARL SCHNOOR

Posted on October 21, 2020

SHARING MUSIC AROUND THE WORLD By Carl Schnoor (Prep 1947, PJS 1948-1957)

My musician training began with viola lessons from James Eoff when I was in the 5th grade. I was accepted into Prep Orchestra in 7th grade, and then into PJS in 8th grade. Playing under Mr. Gershkovitch was both rewarding and intimidating. My technique grew so tense that I dropped... Read More ›

ALUMNI UPDATE: GEORGE REINMILLER

Posted on October 20, 2020

SINGING THROUGH THE PANDEMIC By George Reinmiller (PJS 1952-1959)

I am doing well, especially under the circumstances with this darn virus and the smoke we have experienced recently from wildfires. Now that the air has cleared, however, I can’t complain. My little office building is in the heart of downtown Portland, and I own a condominium kitty corner across the street. As a... Read More ›

ALUMNI UPDATE: KATE DAVIS

Posted on October 20, 2020

FULL CIRCLE by Kate Davis (PYCO 2003-2005, PYP 2005-2009)

I’m a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist currently based in Brooklyn, NY. I grew up in Oregon and spent my formative years playing violin and bass in PYCO and PYP. It was an experience that deeply impacted my relationship with music, community, and my aesthetics— having been exposed to so many incredible orchestral works during such an... Read More ›

THE PORTLAND JUNIOR SYMPHONY EXPERIENCE IN MY LIFE

Posted on October 20, 2020

By Vlasta Becvar Barber (PJS 1939-1943)

Why is part of my estate earmarked for the PYP? To paraphrase an English poet: “Let me count the ways” and add a little bit of personal history.

Once upon a time long ago, but not very far away, a baby was born in a village in Oregon. Her parents were Czech immigrants who had come to... Read More ›

CAN YOU HELP IDENTIFY THIS PHOTO?

Posted on October 20, 2020

This photo of the Portland Junior Symphony in the 1940s hangs in the PYP office.

Do you know what year it was taken? Can you identify anyone in the picture? Please share any memories this photo sparks for you in the comments below of by contacting our Alumni Relations Manager Kristan Knapp: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 503.223.5939.

Click “Read more” to see a larger... Read More ›