About Pacific Youth Choir
Shaping Tomorrow's Voices Since 2003
For over two decades, hundreds of young singers have discovered their voices—and themselves—through music. PYC is where musical excellence meets belonging.
Why We Exist
We transform young people through choral music, developing confident leaders who will shape our community's future.
Our vision is simple: a community where young people discover their potential and develop their voice—in music and in life.
Every rehearsal, every performance, every moment of connection is an opportunity for growth. Through expert instruction and genuine community care, we create the conditions for transformation.
Excellence
Rigor and artistry in music-making
Belonging
Every singer is seen and valued
Accessibility
Finances don't determine who grows
Transformation
Developing musicians and leaders
Three Pillars of Our Program
United In Song
We reflect the children in our choirs, our community, and the greater world—through diverse repertoire, inclusive culture, and composers from underrepresented backgrounds.
Musical Excellence for All
High-level choral opportunities with acclaimed conductors, prestigious performance venues, and need-based tuition assistance to ensure access for every family.
Nurturing the Whole Musician
In addition to musical ability, we develop discipline, character, and empathy—creating a community of singers from varied backgrounds who invest in each other.
Two Decades of Transformation
What started as a vision for accessible choral excellence has grown into one of the West Coast's most respected youth choral programs.
A Vision Takes Root
120 families trust a bold new vision: world-class choral training accessible to all young singers in Portland.
Oregon Symphony Debut
Our singers share the stage with Portland's finest orchestra—the first of many collaborations to come.
Expanding Access
Robust tuition assistance program ensures financial barriers no longer determine who gets to sing.
Reaching New Heights
200+ singers from 114 schools across 48 zip codes—one choir reflecting an entire region.
What's Next?
Join us as we write the next chapter—expanding our reach while deepening our commitment to every singer.
PYC was founded in 2003 by Mia Hall Miller along with Dana Upshaw, Marcia Williams, and Ruth Finn—four women whose vision continues to shape tomorrow's voices.
Where Our Singers Have Performed
Oregon Symphony
Regular collaborations including Mahler, Lord of the Rings in Concert, and Family Concert Series
Pink Martini
Featured on "Joy to the World" album and annual holiday concert appearances
ACDA Conferences
Eight invitations to perform at regional and national American Choral Directors Association events
International Stage
Performances with Chanticleer, Chor Leoni in Vancouver BC, and Estonian composer Veljo Tormis
One Choir, Many Worlds
Our rehearsal room is where different backgrounds, schools, and neighborhoods come together to create something none of us could make alone.
Zip Codes, One Choir
From inner Southeast to the West Hills, from Gresham to Sherwood—our singers reflect the full breadth of the Portland metro. Geography doesn't define community; shared purpose does.
Schools, United
Public, private, charter, homeschool—students from vastly different educational experiences stand side by side, learning that excellence comes from every corner of our region.
Families Supported
We believe finances shouldn't determine who gets to sing. Over half our families receive tuition assistance—because every young voice deserves the chance to grow.
Be Part of What's Next
Whether you're exploring PYC for your singer, supporting our mission as a donor, or reconnecting as an alumnus—there's a place for you here.