Music in May
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Music in May Applications Extended to Feb. 28!
 

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Music in May was founded in 1948 at Pacific University by Richard A. Greenfield to encourage the development of string music in the public schools of the Pacific Northwest. Band and choir were added at the suggestion of high school music directors, who saw in the festival a means of recognizing students whose service to their particular schools was especially noteworthy.

Each year the number of nominees for places at Music in May far exceeds the number who can be accepted. Housing limitations and the natural requirements of each ensemble result in over 500 participants each year, approximately 300 in the choir, 170 in the band, and 80 in the orchestra.

Participants' achievements in three days, under distinguished guest conductors culminating in the Saturday afternoon concert, represent not only their own efforts, but those of approximately 170 high school directors who have developed their students’ talents and recommended them for Music in May. 

Selection Process

From applications submitted by the deadline, participants are selected based on recommendations and ratings of their high school director. Once nominated and selected, students are committed to join the festival as a hand-selected member of their ensemble.

Instrumentation/voicing needs of the ensembles are also taken into account. After students are selected, music directors will receive acceptance letters and final registration forms.

 

Mentors posing with our MiM Quilt

Music in May 2025

The 75th anniversary Music in May festival takes place May 22-24, 2025, on the Pacific University Forest Grove Campus. The festival culminates with a final concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 24, in the Stoller Center. Order your concert recording in advance.

This year's festival features guest conductors Jung-Ho Pak (orchestra), Dr. Janet Galvan (choir), and Frank Ticheli (band).

Student interest forms are due Feb. 28, 2025. High school music directors also are invited to nominate students; share your contact info to stay up-to-date on the latest Music in May information each year.

Alumni Celebration

In honor of our 75th anniversary, this year's festival also includes a special alumni event. If you participated in Music in May, join our mailing list for more information! 

Location

Rehearsals, meals, overnight accommodations and the final concert are held on the Pacific University campus, Forest Grove, Oregon, 25 miles west of Portland.

Costs

$335. This includes, meals, lodging, and festival registration fees.

Partial and full scholarships may be available. Please contact us for information.

Optional Costs

$45.00 – private lesson (half hour)

Meals

Includes Thursday dinner through Saturday lunch.

Housing

Pacific University student housing, two persons per room (there may be some triples and quads).

Mentors

Pacific University students are employed as mentors. They stay in the dorms with the Music in May participants and attend all rehearsals and events.

Mentors are supervised by university faculty and staff.

Music in May FAQ
 

Contact Us

Music in May
mim@pacificu.edu | 503-352-2198

2043 College Way
Forest Grove, OR 97116