Andrew Bergh - Tenor 1
Andrew Bergh has been singing with Male Ensemble Northwest since 2017. He is in his third year as the Choir Director at Tualatin High School in the Tigard-Tualatin School District. His directing responsibilities include five choirs and being the on-stage musical director. He spent the previous four years teaching choirs at the junior high and high school in the Tillamook School District while also directing the Tillamook Community Chorus. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and Vocal Performance at George Fox University. In addition to singing with Male Ensemble Northwest, he performs with the Portland Symphonic Choir and the Portland Phoenix Choir. In 2022, He started serving on the board of the Oregon Music Educators Association as the Membership Chair.
In his spare time, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife, Bobi, and their two dogs, Zuko & Mai, playing games with friends and family, and being a devout fan of the Portland Trail Blazers.
Andrew Bergh has been singing with Male Ensemble Northwest since 2017. He is in his third year as the Choir Director at Tualatin High School in the Tigard-Tualatin School District. His directing responsibilities include five choirs and being the on-stage musical director. He spent the previous four years teaching choirs at the junior high and high school in the Tillamook School District while also directing the Tillamook Community Chorus. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and Vocal Performance at George Fox University. In addition to singing with Male Ensemble Northwest, he performs with the Portland Symphonic Choir and the Portland Phoenix Choir. In 2022, He started serving on the board of the Oregon Music Educators Association as the Membership Chair.
In his spare time, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife, Bobi, and their two dogs, Zuko & Mai, playing games with friends and family, and being a devout fan of the Portland Trail Blazers.
Benjamin Bouton - Tenor 2/Baritone
Originally from Massachusetts, Ben Bouton has been living in the Pacific Northwest with his wife, son, and two daughters for the last seven years. Prior to moving west, Ben completed his Master’s in Choral Conducting at Boston University, where he studied conducting with Dr. Ann Howard Jones. Ben graduated Summa Cum Laude from Westminster Choir College, singing with the New York Philharmonic and Philadelphia Orchestra under the batons of Maestro Kurt Masur, Christoph Eschenbach, among others. At Westminster studied choral conducting with Dr. Joe Miller, Dr. James Jordan, and Dr. Andrew Megill.
He currently directs the choirs and teaches theatre at Fort Vancouver High
School, and has spent the last six years in Vancouver also teaching at the
middle school level. He currently sings with Choro in Schola out of Portland, and Chor Anno with Howard Meharg and Dr. Nicole Lamartine.
Originally from Massachusetts, Ben Bouton has been living in the Pacific Northwest with his wife, son, and two daughters for the last seven years. Prior to moving west, Ben completed his Master’s in Choral Conducting at Boston University, where he studied conducting with Dr. Ann Howard Jones. Ben graduated Summa Cum Laude from Westminster Choir College, singing with the New York Philharmonic and Philadelphia Orchestra under the batons of Maestro Kurt Masur, Christoph Eschenbach, among others. At Westminster studied choral conducting with Dr. Joe Miller, Dr. James Jordan, and Dr. Andrew Megill.
He currently directs the choirs and teaches theatre at Fort Vancouver High
School, and has spent the last six years in Vancouver also teaching at the
middle school level. He currently sings with Choro in Schola out of Portland, and Chor Anno with Howard Meharg and Dr. Nicole Lamartine.
Dan Davison - Bass
Dan Davison, bass, recently retired from the position of Choir Director at Ballou Junior High, in Puyallup, Washington since 1979. In addition to conducting the five ensembles at his school, he has numerous teaching and mentoring responsibilities. Dan received his Bachelor’s degree from Pacific Lutheran University, studying under Maurice Skones, and his Master’s degree from Western Washington University, studying with Bruce Pullan.
In addition to being an educator and a singer, Dan is an active composer and arranger. He currently has titles published with Walton Music and also with Sound Music Publications. His works range in difficulty, from those appropriate for junior high voices, to those appropriate for professional ensembles. Dan's works are found throughout the repertoire for Male Ensemble Northwest. He is also keenly interested in vocal jazz, and does almost all of the arrangements for his own 16-voice Jazz Choir.
Dan is highly sought after as a choral clinician and adjudicator, and has served as a cooperating teacher and mentor to numerous choral educators. His clinics on vocal music education techniques have brought him to speak for educators in Montana, Oregon, Washington, and for regional conventions of the American Choral Directors Association.
Dan Davison, bass, recently retired from the position of Choir Director at Ballou Junior High, in Puyallup, Washington since 1979. In addition to conducting the five ensembles at his school, he has numerous teaching and mentoring responsibilities. Dan received his Bachelor’s degree from Pacific Lutheran University, studying under Maurice Skones, and his Master’s degree from Western Washington University, studying with Bruce Pullan.
In addition to being an educator and a singer, Dan is an active composer and arranger. He currently has titles published with Walton Music and also with Sound Music Publications. His works range in difficulty, from those appropriate for junior high voices, to those appropriate for professional ensembles. Dan's works are found throughout the repertoire for Male Ensemble Northwest. He is also keenly interested in vocal jazz, and does almost all of the arrangements for his own 16-voice Jazz Choir.
Dan is highly sought after as a choral clinician and adjudicator, and has served as a cooperating teacher and mentor to numerous choral educators. His clinics on vocal music education techniques have brought him to speak for educators in Montana, Oregon, Washington, and for regional conventions of the American Choral Directors Association.
Willy Dolan - Tenor 1
Willy attended George Fox University (Newberg, OR) and Concordia University (Portland), earning his Masters in Music Education. He is the choir director at Milwaukie High School in Milwaukie, Oregon. He has also worked as a volunteer music coordinator, Brand Ambassador Manager, Director of Digital Marketing, and a Graduate Admissions Counselor. In December, you may finding portraying Joseph in Portland’s “Singing Christmas Tree”.
Willy has a heart for students with special needs and strives to build a strong classroom community built on equity, inclusion, and restorative practices. He is passionate about exposing people to diverse musical styles and expressions. Willy lives in Milwaukie, OR with his wife, Christine, and their two young children.
Willy attended George Fox University (Newberg, OR) and Concordia University (Portland), earning his Masters in Music Education. He is the choir director at Milwaukie High School in Milwaukie, Oregon. He has also worked as a volunteer music coordinator, Brand Ambassador Manager, Director of Digital Marketing, and a Graduate Admissions Counselor. In December, you may finding portraying Joseph in Portland’s “Singing Christmas Tree”.
Willy has a heart for students with special needs and strives to build a strong classroom community built on equity, inclusion, and restorative practices. He is passionate about exposing people to diverse musical styles and expressions. Willy lives in Milwaukie, OR with his wife, Christine, and their two young children.
Jesús Gomez - Baritone/Tenor 2
Jesús is a recent graduate of Pacific Lutheran University, where he was a four-year member of the internationally renowned Choir of the West. Studying under Dr. Richard Nance, he sang at national conventions of the American Choral Directors Association (2013) and the National Collegiate Choral Organization (2016), as well as the annual PLU Christmas concerts, which are now broadcast nationally on PBS. After graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Music Education, he taught for a year in the Puyallup School District before accepting a position teaching choir at Mount Vernon High School, where he will teach six choirs and a world music ensemble.
Jesús is an active composer and arranger, and his work has been performed by Male Ensemble Northwest, the Choir of the West, the PLU Men's Chorus, The Coats, Cantus Youth Choirs, and various high school choirs in Oregon and Washington.
Jesús and his wife, Claire live in Mount Vernon, Washington, with their Gus, their beloved Persian cat.
Jesús is a recent graduate of Pacific Lutheran University, where he was a four-year member of the internationally renowned Choir of the West. Studying under Dr. Richard Nance, he sang at national conventions of the American Choral Directors Association (2013) and the National Collegiate Choral Organization (2016), as well as the annual PLU Christmas concerts, which are now broadcast nationally on PBS. After graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Music Education, he taught for a year in the Puyallup School District before accepting a position teaching choir at Mount Vernon High School, where he will teach six choirs and a world music ensemble.
Jesús is an active composer and arranger, and his work has been performed by Male Ensemble Northwest, the Choir of the West, the PLU Men's Chorus, The Coats, Cantus Youth Choirs, and various high school choirs in Oregon and Washington.
Jesús and his wife, Claire live in Mount Vernon, Washington, with their Gus, their beloved Persian cat.
Nelson Green - Tenor 2
Nelson is a magna cum laude graduate from Central Washington University, double majoring in Choral Music Education and Vocal Performance. He sang in the CWU Chamber Choir under Dr. Gary Weidenaar and CWU Vocal Jazz I under Vijay Singh. He was the co-winner of the 2018 Opus 7 Undergraduate Composition Award for his piece “Infinite,” which also received the Thomas Gause Award in Composition at CWU.
As a performer, he has won and placed in NATS competitions. He also participated in three years of the CWU Opera Ensemble, playing the roles of Papageno in Mozart’s The Magic Flute and Giuseppe Palmieri in Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Gondoliers. His performance as Son in Michael Torke’s Strawberry Fields contributed to CWU’s second place finish in the Division I category of the National Opera Association Production Competition in 2018. In February 2023, Nelson performed as a featured soloist with the Yakima Symphony Orchestra under Lawrence Golan.
Nelson currently resides in Moses Lake, Washington with his wife, Jacqueline. Aside from teaching choir at Columbia Middle School, Nelson sings with the Mid-Columbia Mastersingers and Opera on the Vine. Outside of music, Nelson enjoys chess, reading, and spending time with family.
Nelson is a magna cum laude graduate from Central Washington University, double majoring in Choral Music Education and Vocal Performance. He sang in the CWU Chamber Choir under Dr. Gary Weidenaar and CWU Vocal Jazz I under Vijay Singh. He was the co-winner of the 2018 Opus 7 Undergraduate Composition Award for his piece “Infinite,” which also received the Thomas Gause Award in Composition at CWU.
As a performer, he has won and placed in NATS competitions. He also participated in three years of the CWU Opera Ensemble, playing the roles of Papageno in Mozart’s The Magic Flute and Giuseppe Palmieri in Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Gondoliers. His performance as Son in Michael Torke’s Strawberry Fields contributed to CWU’s second place finish in the Division I category of the National Opera Association Production Competition in 2018. In February 2023, Nelson performed as a featured soloist with the Yakima Symphony Orchestra under Lawrence Golan.
Nelson currently resides in Moses Lake, Washington with his wife, Jacqueline. Aside from teaching choir at Columbia Middle School, Nelson sings with the Mid-Columbia Mastersingers and Opera on the Vine. Outside of music, Nelson enjoys chess, reading, and spending time with family.
Ryan Harris - Bass
Originally from Lynden, Washington, Ryan is a graduate of Columbia Basin College, where he sang in nationally recognized vocal jazz ensemble, "FreeForm," directed by Dave Cazier, and earned his A.A. in Music with an emphasis in Vocal Music. He earned his B.M. in Music Education from Central Washington University where he sang in nationally recognized "Vocal Jazz 1," directed by Vijay Singh, as well as CWU's Chamber Choir, directed by Dr. Gary Weidenaar. He was also appointed Director for CWU's "Vocal Jazz 3" ensemble for the 2008-09 year.
His teaching career started at Mount Si High School in Snoqualmie, Washington, where he taught Choir and Theatre Arts for two years. Ryan has been teaching Choir at Harrison Preparatory School in Lakewood, Washington since 2013, where he serves as the Arts Department Chair, is a National Boards certified teacher, and has earned MRMEA Regional Large Group Superior Ratings with his Middle and High School Chamber Choirs. His High School Chamber and Jazz Choirs have consistently been nominated for the “Waldo King Spirit Award” at CBC’s Jazz Unlimited Festival, which they won in 2012 and 2017.
Ryan and his wife Indeah live in Spanaway, Washington with their two dogs. They both currently sing in semi-professional a cappella choral octet “Resonate,” in Maple Valley, Washington.
Originally from Lynden, Washington, Ryan is a graduate of Columbia Basin College, where he sang in nationally recognized vocal jazz ensemble, "FreeForm," directed by Dave Cazier, and earned his A.A. in Music with an emphasis in Vocal Music. He earned his B.M. in Music Education from Central Washington University where he sang in nationally recognized "Vocal Jazz 1," directed by Vijay Singh, as well as CWU's Chamber Choir, directed by Dr. Gary Weidenaar. He was also appointed Director for CWU's "Vocal Jazz 3" ensemble for the 2008-09 year.
His teaching career started at Mount Si High School in Snoqualmie, Washington, where he taught Choir and Theatre Arts for two years. Ryan has been teaching Choir at Harrison Preparatory School in Lakewood, Washington since 2013, where he serves as the Arts Department Chair, is a National Boards certified teacher, and has earned MRMEA Regional Large Group Superior Ratings with his Middle and High School Chamber Choirs. His High School Chamber and Jazz Choirs have consistently been nominated for the “Waldo King Spirit Award” at CBC’s Jazz Unlimited Festival, which they won in 2012 and 2017.
Ryan and his wife Indeah live in Spanaway, Washington with their two dogs. They both currently sing in semi-professional a cappella choral octet “Resonate,” in Maple Valley, Washington.
Phill Hurley - Baritone
Phill is originally from Caldwell, Idaho. He started leading singing at church at a young age and always knew he wanted to be a music teacher when he grew up. He attended Columbia Christian College in Portland, Oregon, where he studied voice under Dick Dalzell. He retired from teaching music in the David Douglas school district where he had been teaching since 1986. He directed choirs at David Douglas High School and most recently taught general music at Gilbert Heights Elementary.
Phill has performed with Portland Choral Cross-Ties under the direction of Dr. Bruce Browne and now serves as bass section leader with the Portland Symphonic Choir and sings with Choro in Schola (Choir in Schools), the Portland Phoenix Choir and the Grotto Carolers. He teaches private voice to high school students and has been a guest soloist at several churches in the Portland area. He and his wife Kim live in Portland, Or.
Phill is originally from Caldwell, Idaho. He started leading singing at church at a young age and always knew he wanted to be a music teacher when he grew up. He attended Columbia Christian College in Portland, Oregon, where he studied voice under Dick Dalzell. He retired from teaching music in the David Douglas school district where he had been teaching since 1986. He directed choirs at David Douglas High School and most recently taught general music at Gilbert Heights Elementary.
Phill has performed with Portland Choral Cross-Ties under the direction of Dr. Bruce Browne and now serves as bass section leader with the Portland Symphonic Choir and sings with Choro in Schola (Choir in Schools), the Portland Phoenix Choir and the Grotto Carolers. He teaches private voice to high school students and has been a guest soloist at several churches in the Portland area. He and his wife Kim live in Portland, Or.
Andy Jackson - Tenor 1
J. Andrew Jackson holds a Master’s degree in Music Education from Kent State University. He has ten years of professional music experience as a music educator, performer, recording musician, and arranger. Andy began his teaching career by heading a K-12 music program teaching general music, and directing the school’s choral & instrumental ensembles. At BYU – Idaho, he taught music theory and ear training, and acted as the Asst. Conductor of the University’s Men’s Choir under his conducting mentor, Kevin Brower. Andy has performed in operas such as Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas and Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi. Additionally, he has performed as a soloist in multiple productions of Handel’s Messiah, and has toured nationally and internationally as a jazz vocalist.
Currently, Andy enjoys teaching instrumental and choral music at The Overlake School, a college preparatory school in Redmond, Washington. He also owns a successful private studio, instructing students in voice, percussion, brass, and select string instruments. Andy and his wife Jacqui currently reside in Bellevue, Washington. They both currently perform with the semi-professional choral octet “Resonate."
J. Andrew Jackson holds a Master’s degree in Music Education from Kent State University. He has ten years of professional music experience as a music educator, performer, recording musician, and arranger. Andy began his teaching career by heading a K-12 music program teaching general music, and directing the school’s choral & instrumental ensembles. At BYU – Idaho, he taught music theory and ear training, and acted as the Asst. Conductor of the University’s Men’s Choir under his conducting mentor, Kevin Brower. Andy has performed in operas such as Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas and Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi. Additionally, he has performed as a soloist in multiple productions of Handel’s Messiah, and has toured nationally and internationally as a jazz vocalist.
Currently, Andy enjoys teaching instrumental and choral music at The Overlake School, a college preparatory school in Redmond, Washington. He also owns a successful private studio, instructing students in voice, percussion, brass, and select string instruments. Andy and his wife Jacqui currently reside in Bellevue, Washington. They both currently perform with the semi-professional choral octet “Resonate."
Brent LiaBraaten - Bass
Brent LiaBraaten lives in Kalama, WA with his wife and three children. He is a graduate of Washington State University with a masters in choral conducting. While at WSU he was a part of several choirs including the Concert Choir and Madrigal Singers. He has played Vittorio Vidal in the musical Sweet Charity and Sergeant Belcore in The Elixir of Love. Brent is currently the director of choral music at Woodland High School and Middle School, as well as "The Voice of the Woodland Beavers!" He also teaches the guitar class. He feels very privileged to be a part of such a wonderful cast of mentors and colleagues.
Brent LiaBraaten lives in Kalama, WA with his wife and three children. He is a graduate of Washington State University with a masters in choral conducting. While at WSU he was a part of several choirs including the Concert Choir and Madrigal Singers. He has played Vittorio Vidal in the musical Sweet Charity and Sergeant Belcore in The Elixir of Love. Brent is currently the director of choral music at Woodland High School and Middle School, as well as "The Voice of the Woodland Beavers!" He also teaches the guitar class. He feels very privileged to be a part of such a wonderful cast of mentors and colleagues.
Andy Marshall - Tenor 2
Andrew (Andy) Marshall has just returned to singing Tenor 2 in Male Ensemble NW after a 5 year assignment teaching Choir at the International School of Bangkok where he was also the Director of the Bangkok International Choral Festival. He is in his First year of teaching choir on the brand new campus of Blaine MS and HS. Before Teaching in Thailand, Andy spent 8 years at Squalicum High School in Bellingham, WA where he was also the music director at the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship He served in the Peace Corps in Mali from 2002-2004 and from 1996-2002 toured and recorded with the contemporary a cappella group Kickshaw. From 94-96 Andy was in Soundsation at Edmonds Community College. He is a National Board certified Teacher who holds a M.I.T. and a B.A. in music from Western Washington University. Andy is a published composer and is an award winning recording artist specializing in Jazz, Gospel, improvisatory music and other popular styles. He has presented at conferences all over the world on several topics including Music Literacy and music technology, and he has guest conducted in Mumbai India and Bangkok Thailand. One of his favorite accomplishments was hosting Male Ensemble NW at the Bangkok International Choir festival 2016. He has two Daughters 15 and 13 and Is married to his college choir sweetheart Deanna Marshall. Loves to Hike, bike, and camp in the beautiful PNW. He enjoys remodeling houses and recording music and editing videos with his friends and family. He is ecstatic to be re enlisted into M.E.N!
Andrew (Andy) Marshall has just returned to singing Tenor 2 in Male Ensemble NW after a 5 year assignment teaching Choir at the International School of Bangkok where he was also the Director of the Bangkok International Choral Festival. He is in his First year of teaching choir on the brand new campus of Blaine MS and HS. Before Teaching in Thailand, Andy spent 8 years at Squalicum High School in Bellingham, WA where he was also the music director at the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship He served in the Peace Corps in Mali from 2002-2004 and from 1996-2002 toured and recorded with the contemporary a cappella group Kickshaw. From 94-96 Andy was in Soundsation at Edmonds Community College. He is a National Board certified Teacher who holds a M.I.T. and a B.A. in music from Western Washington University. Andy is a published composer and is an award winning recording artist specializing in Jazz, Gospel, improvisatory music and other popular styles. He has presented at conferences all over the world on several topics including Music Literacy and music technology, and he has guest conducted in Mumbai India and Bangkok Thailand. One of his favorite accomplishments was hosting Male Ensemble NW at the Bangkok International Choir festival 2016. He has two Daughters 15 and 13 and Is married to his college choir sweetheart Deanna Marshall. Loves to Hike, bike, and camp in the beautiful PNW. He enjoys remodeling houses and recording music and editing videos with his friends and family. He is ecstatic to be re enlisted into M.E.N!
Darren McCoy - Tenor 2
Raised in Salem, OR. Darren McCoy graduated Magna Cum Laude from Willamette University in 2006 and earned his Masters Degree in 2008 with Honors from University of Oregon. Since then, he has been the choral director at Oak Harbor High School on Whidbey Island in the Washington Puget Sound. Darren also directs the Whidbey Community Choir and directs/acts at the Whidbey Playhouse in shows such as "Into the Woods", "Daddy Long Legs" and “The Last Five Years”. Darren married his lovely wife Heather in 2017 and together, they have a two year old Barbarian.
Raised in Salem, OR. Darren McCoy graduated Magna Cum Laude from Willamette University in 2006 and earned his Masters Degree in 2008 with Honors from University of Oregon. Since then, he has been the choral director at Oak Harbor High School on Whidbey Island in the Washington Puget Sound. Darren also directs the Whidbey Community Choir and directs/acts at the Whidbey Playhouse in shows such as "Into the Woods", "Daddy Long Legs" and “The Last Five Years”. Darren married his lovely wife Heather in 2017 and together, they have a two year old Barbarian.
Matthew Pierce - Bass
Matthew Pierce is a Choir director, performer, dad and self proclaimed nerd from Bend Oregon. He teaches choir at Bend High School and Pilot Butte Middle School in Bend. Matt sings in several performing groups in the Northwest including Male Ensemble Northwest, Chor Anno and Bend Camerata where his role tends to be “singing the bottom notes” as well as embracing many different styles and genres of music. In his spare time Matt enjoys cooking and spending time with his family, and exploring comic books, video games and various other imagination scapes. Matt would love to be a Druid in real life but most often ends up as a Bard.
Matthew Pierce is a Choir director, performer, dad and self proclaimed nerd from Bend Oregon. He teaches choir at Bend High School and Pilot Butte Middle School in Bend. Matt sings in several performing groups in the Northwest including Male Ensemble Northwest, Chor Anno and Bend Camerata where his role tends to be “singing the bottom notes” as well as embracing many different styles and genres of music. In his spare time Matt enjoys cooking and spending time with his family, and exploring comic books, video games and various other imagination scapes. Matt would love to be a Druid in real life but most often ends up as a Bard.
Isaac Robbins -Tenor 1
Isaac Robbins was born and raised in Central Kansas where he learned his passion for singing at an early age on the farm. After spending three years at Fort Hays State University, he transferred to the University of Idaho and studied voice under the direction of Dr. Rager H. Moore. After receiving his degree in Music Education in 2008, he moved back to Kansas to teach and be near family. In 2010, he took the opportunity to move back to the area he loves dearly and teach in the Post Falls, Idaho. Since returning he has started up two special elementary choirs in the schools where he teaches. He has also been known to adjudicate and coordinate music festivals throughout North Idaho. He has also been a part of groups including Opera Coeur d'Alene, Spokane Choral Artists and the Spokane Bach Festival. He is very excited to be a part of great educators and musicians throughout the Northwest!
Isaac Robbins was born and raised in Central Kansas where he learned his passion for singing at an early age on the farm. After spending three years at Fort Hays State University, he transferred to the University of Idaho and studied voice under the direction of Dr. Rager H. Moore. After receiving his degree in Music Education in 2008, he moved back to Kansas to teach and be near family. In 2010, he took the opportunity to move back to the area he loves dearly and teach in the Post Falls, Idaho. Since returning he has started up two special elementary choirs in the schools where he teaches. He has also been known to adjudicate and coordinate music festivals throughout North Idaho. He has also been a part of groups including Opera Coeur d'Alene, Spokane Choral Artists and the Spokane Bach Festival. He is very excited to be a part of great educators and musicians throughout the Northwest!
Jim Taylor - Baritone
Jim Taylor is a graduate of Sprague High School in Salem and an active participant in the choral program under Gary Frame, Jim then completed his Music Education Degree at Western Oregon State College. After serving as Choral and Drama director at Seaside High School and Broadway Middle School in the early ‘90’s, he traveled to Tucson, Arizona where he completed his master’s in Choral Conducting at the University of Arizona under Josef Knott and Maurice Skones. Jim remained at the UA as an Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies serving as Director of Vocal Jazz and Jazz History. In addition to his duties at UA he was Assistant Director of the Tucson Arizona Boys Choir, Vocal Back-up and Choral Assistant for Linda Ronstadt, Artistic and Musical Director of Reveille Gay Mens Chorus and Minister of Music at First Congregational U.C.C. Jim and his wife Dina returned to Oregon in 2002, where he owned and operated a home remodeling before returning to the choir room in 2007 at McNary. Jim and assistant directors Heather Stein and Andy Wilson have developed one of the largest and most comprehensive high school choral programs on the West Coast. Students can participate in a myriad of performing ensembles from Jazz, Pop, Musical Theater to traditional Choral ensembles large and small. Students can also take classes in theory, music appreciation, and piano and have opportunities in composition, recording, editing and sound reinforcement. Graduates are pursuing degrees in Music including Education, Performance, Pedagogy, Therapy, History, Theater, Composition and Sound across the country. McNary Choirs have most recently collaborated with the Divine Foundation to produce two full production albums as a means of providing financial support for arts in the schools. Go to Choirproject.com and McNaryChoirs.com to see and hear the work of the students of McNary Choirs.
Jim Taylor is a graduate of Sprague High School in Salem and an active participant in the choral program under Gary Frame, Jim then completed his Music Education Degree at Western Oregon State College. After serving as Choral and Drama director at Seaside High School and Broadway Middle School in the early ‘90’s, he traveled to Tucson, Arizona where he completed his master’s in Choral Conducting at the University of Arizona under Josef Knott and Maurice Skones. Jim remained at the UA as an Assistant Professor of Jazz Studies serving as Director of Vocal Jazz and Jazz History. In addition to his duties at UA he was Assistant Director of the Tucson Arizona Boys Choir, Vocal Back-up and Choral Assistant for Linda Ronstadt, Artistic and Musical Director of Reveille Gay Mens Chorus and Minister of Music at First Congregational U.C.C. Jim and his wife Dina returned to Oregon in 2002, where he owned and operated a home remodeling before returning to the choir room in 2007 at McNary. Jim and assistant directors Heather Stein and Andy Wilson have developed one of the largest and most comprehensive high school choral programs on the West Coast. Students can participate in a myriad of performing ensembles from Jazz, Pop, Musical Theater to traditional Choral ensembles large and small. Students can also take classes in theory, music appreciation, and piano and have opportunities in composition, recording, editing and sound reinforcement. Graduates are pursuing degrees in Music including Education, Performance, Pedagogy, Therapy, History, Theater, Composition and Sound across the country. McNary Choirs have most recently collaborated with the Divine Foundation to produce two full production albums as a means of providing financial support for arts in the schools. Go to Choirproject.com and McNaryChoirs.com to see and hear the work of the students of McNary Choirs.
Miles Thoming-Gale - Tenor 1
Miles Thoming-Gale is an elementary music teacher in Woodland, Washington, and a native Portlander. He sang with the UO Chamber Choir during their 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 seasons and performed at the International Chamber Choir Competition in Marktoberdorf, Germany.
Since graduating University of Oregon in 2016 Miles conducted the Cascade Singers in The Dalles and currently sings in In Medio, Choro in Schola, the Portland Phoenix Choir and teaches in Woodland Washington.
Miles Thoming-Gale is an elementary music teacher in Woodland, Washington, and a native Portlander. He sang with the UO Chamber Choir during their 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 seasons and performed at the International Chamber Choir Competition in Marktoberdorf, Germany.
Since graduating University of Oregon in 2016 Miles conducted the Cascade Singers in The Dalles and currently sings in In Medio, Choro in Schola, the Portland Phoenix Choir and teaches in Woodland Washington.
Ulises Zavaleta Berdeja - Tenor 2/Baritone
Ulises spent his childhood singing in Mount Vernon, WA. He went on to be the first Hinckley Choral Scholar at Portland State University and sing with the PSU Chamber Choir under the direction of Dr. Ethan Sperry. After earning his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education, he student-taught at Tigard High School in Oregon while also earning a Master's in Education. Ulises is currently going into his second year as choir director at Franklin Pierce High School in Tacoma, WA where he directs 4 choirs and teaches a course on World Music.
Ulises enjoys adventuring the outdoors with his wife Sammie and 4 year-old dog, Copper. When he is not exploring the outdoors, Ulises can either be found in the kitchen or cheering on his beloved Seattle sports teams.
Ulises spent his childhood singing in Mount Vernon, WA. He went on to be the first Hinckley Choral Scholar at Portland State University and sing with the PSU Chamber Choir under the direction of Dr. Ethan Sperry. After earning his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education, he student-taught at Tigard High School in Oregon while also earning a Master's in Education. Ulises is currently going into his second year as choir director at Franklin Pierce High School in Tacoma, WA where he directs 4 choirs and teaches a course on World Music.
Ulises enjoys adventuring the outdoors with his wife Sammie and 4 year-old dog, Copper. When he is not exploring the outdoors, Ulises can either be found in the kitchen or cheering on his beloved Seattle sports teams.
