In September, 2003, Mia Hall Miller and a team of dedicated individuals had the inspiration, enthusiasm, and musical expertise to build an organization whose reputation for excellence has grown each year.

Mia’s dedication and enthusiasm for working with young people is widely recognized. In addition to founding PYC, Mia is a popular adjudicator and clinician. She has conducted the Oregon Music Educators Association, All-State Elementary Choir, Middle School Girl’s Honor Choir, Pacific University’s “Music in May,” and many high school clinics and festivals. 

From the beginning, with the help of Terrence Pancoast, PYC has been a fully functioning non-profit organization under the governance of a hard-working board and an illustrious honorary board. Within weeks of the first rehearsal, the original number of singers doubled in size and voice. Thanks to John Strege, then Canon of Music, Pacific Youth Choir immediately found a home as Choir in Residence at Portland’s Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. By the end of the first season, five choirs were in place, with 120 voices and singers ranging in age from eight to 18.

PYC remains true to its core values and artistic goals: to connect every singer in every choir to a higher awareness of life through music—touching choristers’ lives in positive ways that they take back to their families and communities. The atmosphere is collaborative, joyful, and disciplined. Committed, focused work leads to true accomplishment. Developmentally appropriate musical and choral challenges keep pace with the singers as their skills mature throughout each choir year.

Special thanks to the four exceptional women, Dana Upshaw, Marcia Williams, Ruth Finn, and Mia Miller - whose strength and dedication made the founding of Pacific Youth Choir a reality!