PSU School of Music & Theater alumni rake in the ribbons at the OSAA State Championship

The OSAA State Championships took place last week, and seven Portland State University School of Music & Theater alumni, who are now high school choir directors, led their students to the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) State Championship and were placed as the top-ranked choirs in the state. These prizes include first place in both the 4A and 5A divisions, and third place out of 24 schools in the 6A division. Additionally, one alum led their school’s band to a second-place finish in the competition.

“No choir from a Portland Public high school in the 6A choir category has ever placed in the top five,” said Ethan Sperry, PSU Director of Choral Activity, “so it is a very big deal that Lincoln High School’s choir placed third in the 6A division.” Lincoln’s director, Lisa Riffel, graduated from PSU School of Music & Theater with a Master’s degree in Music Conducting in 2016. 

We were able to interview Lisa after the competition about her experiences.

Q: How long have you been directing this choir, and what makes this group of students capable of such an accomplishment?

A: I’ve been directing the choirs at Lincoln High School for seven years. Portland Public Schools has historically not been as successful as other districts in the OSAA State Competition partially because we do not have complete K-12 pathways in many of the arts or lack a full-time choir director and program. To me Lincoln's success is a testament to the students putting in a lot of time and that they sang with emotional honesty and a love for their music and for each other. We've built a community of people who feel welcome and known, and so they are more willing to be vulnerable and take risks musically and emotionally.

Q: Was there a song you all sang at the competition that held particular significance for the group?

A: “Aho” was one of the songs we sang. It was written by PSU alumna Ara Lee and arranged by PSU Choir Director, Ethan Sperry. Aho is a word used in several Native American languages and loosely translates as "so be it."  The song is about working through our grief and finding healing after the death of a loved one. This piece held extra significance for our choir as they unfortunately were grieving the sudden death of a former Lincoln High School performing arts student.  Singing this piece throughout the year kept his memory alive and allowed the students to express their grief through their voices.

Watch this YouTube recording of Lincoln High School performing "Aho." 

Q: Do you have any thoughts on what it is about the PSU School of Music & Theater that supported the success of so many PSU alumni in this competition?  

A: I'm not surprised that PSU choral grads are doing so well and notice that the majority of them studied under Dr. Ethan Sperry. He leads his choirs with passion, genuine love for the music, and genuine love for his students. Everything I wrote about what is special about the Lincoln High School Cardinal Choir was modeled to me by Ethan. He builds community in the PSU choir program in a way that in my experience is unparalleled. He also arranges and composes music that is expanding and energizing our field in ways that we direly need to stay relevant in an ever-changing world. His thoughtful repertoire selection, interpretation of the music as a conductor, and philosophical musings that help the singer connect with the piece combine to create electric and heartfelt performances. His students are absorbing this ethos and taking it to their own choirs. I also think it is significant that Ethan allows and teaches his students to sing healthfully using the full warmth and resonance of their voices.

Q. How did PSU School of Music & Theater help you excel in your career as an educator and Director?

A. When I arrived at PSU for graduate school, I remember being blown away by how professional the programs and the musicians were. PSU's choir and opera program in particular exposed me to a level of excellence I hadn't been a part of previously. This environment makes one want to be their best self and to work really hard, which I did. I also think that Ethan Sperry, Debbie Glaze and all the PSU School of Music faculty do a lot to help students transition out of school and into careers in music. I know that played a big role in me getting my job at Lincoln High School.

Below are the names and rankings of the eight PSU alumni who went home with ribbons: