Acclaim
“Mia has been our strong partner for many years. Through her work with the Pacific Youth Choir, she has enriched the lives of thousands of her students and our patro
--Scott Showalter, Oregon Symphony President & CEO
The Oregon Symphony's 2016 Schnitzer Wonder Award went to Mia Hall Miller founder and artistic director of the Pacific Youth Choir, and Pacific Youth Choir. The Schnitzer Wonder Award was created in 2015 by Jordan Schnitzer to honor his parents, Harold and Arlene Schnitzer. The award honors an individual or organization that directly works to build community through the next generation of artists and/or student musicians.
“To work with you and the kids is always so meaningful to me. This is the future in our community that we are helping to build. Exposing these young people to music at such a high level shows them what a huge impact arts have in all our lives.”
--Carlos Kalmar, Music Director, Oregon Symphony
“I have enjoyed my many wonderful interactions with Pacific Youth Choir. They are truly the gold standard for youth choral programs around the country.”
--Matthew Oltman, Music Director Emeritus, Chanticleer
“Congratulations to the Pacific Youth Choir and Mia Hall Savage on being chosen to perform at the National Convention of the American Choral Director's Association. To be selected as the sole choir representing the state of Oregon at the Convention is an amazing accomplishment.”
--John Evans, President and Executive Director, Oregon Bach Festival
“The spirit and artistry that you bring to all of your performances is an inspiration for each and every listener. You are an example of community-building and music-making at its very best; a treasure for our state and region. The Oregon Symphony is always so happy to work with the choir.”
--Charles Calmer, Artistic Administrator at Oregon Symphony
“PYC has been a lifesaver for several of our albums. They learned Ukrainian for ‘Carol of the Bells’ in one afternoon. They learned Arabic for ‘Auld Lang Syne’ in one hour. I don’t imagine there’s another organization in the country where the leader is totally game for any adventure. They have this very mature sound. It’s joyous.”
--Thomas Lauderdale, Founder and Artistic Director, Pink Martini, quoted in The Oregonian, March 11, 2012
“This is a superb ensemble with an enviable reputation and deserves to be heard by the choral community at large.”
--Rod Eichenberger, Florida State University Professor Emeritus, world-renowned choral clinician
“During the time I worked with your choirs at the ACDA National Convention in Oklahoma City, I was delighted to find not only a great spirit of cooperation within the singers, but a high standard of literature and truly outstanding vocal artistry in each group. You are setting the bar at a very high level for the choral art with this age group.”
–Dr. Bruce Browne, Emeritus Professor of Choral Studies and Voice at Portland State University
“You have an incredible group of kids, and it’s very clear that you are operating at a musical level we don’t see very often in high school singers. It was such a treat for the three of us to work with a small group that was attentive without being scared or spiritless, and willing to try anything you or we asked of them. I think I mentioned this to them, but please reiterate that we were doing college level work with them, and they should be incredibly proud of how they sounded.”
—Chanticleer member Gabriel Lewis-O’Connor, after a day-long workshop with PYC singers
“The kids are amazingly talented, and it’s a pleasure to work with them. We’re happy to have them share the experience with us, and happy to get the choir some international exposure!”
--William Tennant, Business Manager, Pink Martini Label Manager, Heinz Records
