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Girlchoir's Story

FOUNDED IN 1989, GIRLCHOIR CONTINUES TO THRIVE IN ITS’ 34TH SEASON!

Under the direction of nationally recognized artistic leaders, Roberta Q. Jackson and Debra D. Burgess, the award-winning Portland Symphonic Girlchoir has been delighting and inspiring singers and audiences in Portland, nationally, and around the world for 34 years, taking its place among the finest children’s choral ensembles in North America. With new works commissioned annually, the group has presented 45 world premieres. In both 2015 and 2003, PSG received the prestigious Chorus America/ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) Award for Adventurous Programming, as well as a National Endowment for the Arts Grant in 2010.

PSG’s unique collaborative co-conductor model embodies a spirit of cooperation over competition for singers in four progressive ensembles who unite weekly from over 90 schools in the Portland metro and Southwest Washington area. Each Girlchoir ensemble enjoys the benefit of a unique collaborative approach using the artistry and skillful teaching of both conductors and the outstanding talents of pianists Rodney Menn and Tim Ribner, Girlchoir provides a rewarding experience valuing the tradition of live performance, featuring the compelling sound of its young artists. And, Girlchoir’s 2,000 alumnae, empowered by their artistic excellence, collaborative experiences, and unique, caring and inclusive Girlchoir community, using their distinct voice, go on to make an amazing difference in the world.

"Girlchoir encourages its singers of all ages to dig deep and to always look beyond the surface.  The music education they receive from Deb and Roberta extends to so many aspects of life and it instilled in me a lasting curiosity about different places, different times, and different ideas. This is just one of many ways I’m going to carry Girlchoir with me to graduate school this fall and wherever I go in the future. "

PSG Alum

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