Pacific University

As he retires after 30 years at Pacific, Distinguished University Professor of Music and Director of Bands Michael Burch-Pesses reflects on his academic career and 63 years in music between Pacific and the U.S. Navy.

Dr. Dijana Ihas, Professor of Music, was awarded the Long Term Achievement in Research Award by the American String Teachers Association at their annual conference in Atlanta, GA, in March 2025. This award is considered the highest honor in the country for strings research, and Ihas is the first recipient of this award from a small private university.

Pacific University's Music Department presents four concerts this April and May, including the final performances for its bands under the direction of Michael Burch-Pesses.

The Pacific University Music Department's six-concert schedule culminates with the popular annual Holiday Concert on Saturday, Dec. 7.

The Forest Grove native and 2023 Pacific graduate is learning ropes of the performance business as Portland Opera's Ensemble Leaders Fellow.

The joint concert with Pacific's Chamber Singers, Concert Choir and Philharmonic Orchestra on May 5 marks the end of a storied career for Distinguished University Professor of Music Scott Tuomi, who retires this spring.

The inclusion of a five-song set of Hawaiian music in Noah Yamashiro's '24 senior recital was a homage to a culture that has had a large influence on his musical journey.

Music was a powerful force as Cody Mills '20 transitioned from military life to civilian life. Now a graduate of Pacific's music therapy program, Mills uses the power of music to help others.