50 Years of Music Making and Barrier Breaking

Lajos Balogh, the visionary founder of the Metropolitan Youth Symphony, dedicated his life to making music accessible to all young people, regardless of their background or circumstances. Born in Hungary, Balogh’s early years were shaped by the profound hardships of World War II and the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. As a young man, he fled his homeland and found safety in the United States. Through his work as a violinist at the Oregon Symphony Orchestra, and eventually its principal second violin, Balogh discovered a local community that welcomed him. In return, he created a youth orchestra that would forever change the lives of countless young musicians.

In 1974, Lajos Balogh founded MYS with a clear mission: to educate, develop, and promote young musicians. His commitment to access for all remains a cornerstone of MYS’s work, driving its efforts to make music education available to every student, regardless of economic or social barriers. Mr. Balogh’s vision was not just to teach music but to build an inclusive community where students from all walks of life could come together to explore and celebrate the art of music. He imagined a place where diverse musical styles and ensemble types—from classical symphonies to jazz and chamber music—could coexist, offering every student a chance to find their unique voice within a supportive environment.

“Access to music for all was at the heart of Lajos’s work,” said MYS Music Director Dr. Raul Gomez-Rojas. “He believed that music should not be a privilege for the few but a right for everyone, creating a space where students could thrive—not only as musicians but as individuals. His passion for making music accessible shapes everything we do today.” This commitment to access and inclusion continues to be a guiding principle of MYS, ensuring that Balogh’s legacy lives on as the organization reaches more communities throughout the Portland metro area and beyond.

Mr. Balogh’s own journey as an immigrant shaped his belief in the power of music as a universal language that could bridge cultures and bring people together. He understood the isolation of being in a new place, far from home, and used music as a tool to connect with his new community. His work with the Oregon Symphony not only solidified his place in Portland’s artistic scene but also allowed him to channel his passion for music into building a foundation that would welcome young musicians from all backgrounds. For Balogh, music was not just about playing notes; it was about creating a sense of belonging and building a bridge to the world beyond one’s own borders.

One of Balogh’s most enduring contributions was his dedication to transforming young musicians into global citizens through international experiences. He firmly believed that exposure to the world’s diverse cultures and musical traditions was essential to a well-rounded education. He spearheaded MYS’s international tours, taking his students to places like Russia, Japan, Poland, the Czech Republic, China, Italy, and many more. These journeys were not simply trips but transformative experiences, allowing students to perform in historic venues and stand in the very places where composers like Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven once created their masterpieces. “Lajos wanted his students to see that their music had the power to connect with people around the world,” said Executive Director Diana Scoggins. “He taught them that they were not just musicians but ambassadors of culture and creativity.”

Balogh also led the charge in bringing music to underserved communities in Portland. He initiated outreach concerts in schools that lacked music programs, believing that every child should have the opportunity to experience live orchestral music, regardless of their economic circumstances. These outreach efforts laid the groundwork for MYS’s ongoing mission to dismantle barriers to music education and remain integral to its programming today. Balogh’s belief in the importance of community engagement and cultural exchange was rooted in his understanding that music has the power to inspire and uplift, to connect people across different backgrounds and to spark joy in unexpected places.

“He created a safe space where music wasn’t just about playing notes but about students expressing themselves and becoming better people through the process,” Dr. Gomez-Rojas reflected. “We are proud to still be that safe space, welcoming students from all backgrounds to experience the magic of music.”

Lajos Balogh’s legacy at MYS is defined by his unwavering dedication to access, diversity, and the belief that music has the power to unite and transform. His influence is not only etched in the history of MYS but also in the thousands of thousands of students who found their passion, their voice, and their sense of belonging through his vision. His work in music education has left a lasting impact on Portland’s cultural landscape, ensuring that every young musician has the chance to become a global citizen through the gift of music.

Nita Van Pelt has spent over three decades inspiring young musicians with her passion for teaching and love of music. From her early days in Elyria, Ohio, to her long-standing role in Oregon, Nita has left a lasting impact on countless students. After earning her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music Education degrees from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Nita began her teaching career in Ohio, where she taught orchestra and band and served as the Assistant Conductor for the Northern Ohio Youth Orchestra.

In 1986, Nita moved to Oregon, where she joined the Lake Oswego School District. Over the years, she has taught a variety of music courses and oversaw 300 students in five string orchestras, from elementary to high school. Nita’s passion for music education led her to establish the Oregon Music Educators Association All-State Middle School Honor Orchestra in 1999, providing middle school students across Oregon a chance to perform at a higher level.

Nita’s journey with the Metropolitan Youth Symphony (MYS) began in the mid-1990s when she started as a substitute conductor. By 1998, her talent and dedication earned her a Conductor position, and she led the Interlude Orchestra until her retirement in 2019. Nita loved working with MYS because it allowed her to push students further, exploring a wide variety of music that resonated with them. Her favorite moments were at MYS outreach concerts where the orchestra spent the whole day together performing for area schools. “The students we played for always enjoyed the music and the Interlude students had a great time playing for them!”

For Nita, MYS’ focus on inclusivity is what sets our programming apart. “MYS is such an inclusive place! Lajos started MYS as an inclusive place for young people to learn music. Auditions were never about if a student was going to get into the program or not, it was always about finding where each student belonged.”

At MYS, Nita fostered a welcoming environment where students could thrive, build confidence, and develop their musical talents. She has always championed the idea that music is a lifelong skill. She often reminded her students that they could play music throughout their lives, whether in community orchestras, bands, or just for their enjoyment. Her message was clear: music is everywhere, and it has the power to enrich our lives, no matter what path we choose.

Even though Nita has retired, her legacy lives on in the hearts of the students she inspired and the programs she helped build. She remains a beloved figure in Oregon’s music education community, known for her dedication, passion, and the lasting impact she has made on young musicians.

John Keil Richards, known affectionately as “Dr. John” within the MYS community, left an indelible mark on generations of young musicians. As the founding conductor of the Symphonic Band from 1994 to 2009, Richards’ leadership and passion for music transformed the experience of countless students, shaping both their musical talents and personal growth.

Richards brought to MYS an extraordinary wealth of experience. As the principal tuba player for the Oregon Symphony for 52 years and a distinguished professor at Lewis & Clark College, where he taught for over four decades, he was not only a seasoned performer but also an educator deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians. His extensive musical career, which included conducting the Portland Symphonic Band and organizing Portland’s beloved annual Tuba Christmas, reflected his belief in the power of music.

During his time at MYS, Richards was revered for his ability to bring out the best in his students. His patient, encouraging teaching style helped young musicians realize their potential, both individually and collectively. Richards didn’t just teach music; he cultivated a sense of teamwork, discipline, and responsibility. His students learned that their contributions, no matter how small, were vital to the ensemble’s success. One of his most important legacies was his emphasis on the collaborative nature of music, where every musician played an integral part in creating something larger than themselves.

Richards was also dedicated to expanding his students’ horizons. He led the Metropolitan Youth Symphonic Band on international tours to places such as Russia, Austria, Hungary, Scandinavia, Italy, and China, giving young musicians the opportunity to perform on the world stage. These tours reinforced MYS founder, Lajos Balogh’s desire to create global citizens who could appreciate diverse cultures and form lifelong connections through their shared love of music.

Known for his humor and his ability to connect with students, Richards created a safe space for young musicians to grow as artists and individuals. Many of his students recall how he fostered a love of learning and curiosity about the world, encouraging them to explore music, history, and science with equal enthusiasm. His own curiosity was boundless; Richards once mused that he was still searching for “real knowledge about gravity” late in life, illustrating his belief that the pursuit of knowledge never ends. Beyond his technical expertise, Richards’ kindness, mentorship, and dedication to his students were unparalleled. He made a lasting impact not only through music but also through the personal relationships he cultivated. His efforts to preserve Oregon’s musical history, his mentorship of young musicians, and his passion for both music and education made him a beloved figure within MYS and the broader Portland community.

Travis Hatton’s life and career were a testament to his unwavering dedication to music and education. With a career that spanned decades and touched many corners of the musical world, Hatton was not only a brilliant conductor but also an inspiring mentor whose influence reached far beyond the podium. His work with a variety of musical groups—ranging from opera companies to orchestras, chamber groups, and choirs—showcased his versatility and deep commitment to nurturing the musical community both in the United States and Europe.

As a conductor, Hatton’s approach was defined by his passion for helping others reach their full potential. He possessed an innate ability to see the hidden talent in each musician and believed in their ability to achieve greatness. His leadership style was encouraging and constructive, never focusing on criticism but instead on lifting his musicians up and pushing them to realize their own strengths. Hatton’s legacy lives on in the countless musicians he mentored, who remember him not just as a conductor but as someone who inspired them to be their best selves through music.

One of the highlights of Travis Hatton’s career was his time with MYS, where he worked tirelessly to ignite a passion for music among young musicians. His impact on the students of MYS was profound, instilling in them a sense of discipline, artistry, and love for their craft. Hatton’s ability to connect with young musicians on a personal level, coupled with his high expectations for excellence, motivated his students to exceed their own expectations and strive for musical and personal growth.

At MYS, Hatton created a supportive and challenging environment where students felt safe to explore their talents and embrace new possibilities. He guided them not only in playing their instruments but also in understanding the deeper meaning of the music they performed. Hatton’s focus on fostering a sense of community and collaboration among his students meant that his influence went beyond just technical skills—it shaped the character of his young musicians, instilling in them values of teamwork, perseverance, and the importance of artistic expression.

Hatton’s mentorship at MYS extended to his philosophy that music should serve as a bridge connecting people from different backgrounds and experiences. His leadership encouraged students to view music as more than just notes on a page but as a language that could tell stories, express emotions, and bring people together. Under his direction, MYS performances became shared experiences that resonated with both performers and audiences alike.

Hatton was more than a conductor; he was a mentor who believed in the potential of every young musician he met. His dedication to the MYS community and his vision for what music education could achieve continue to inspire the next generation of musicians. Travis Hatton’s legacy at MYS is a lasting reminder of the impact one person can have in lighting the spark of creativity and passion in the hearts of young artists.

Molly Duggan’s journey with MYS is a story of growth, discovery, and the transformative power of music. From 2018 to 2020, Molly played flute, piccolo, and even baritone saxophone in both the Symphony Orchestra and the Wind Ensemble. Reflecting on her time at MYS, Molly shared, “The schools I went to during that period didn’t have an orchestra, so MYS was really one of my first experiences playing with a symphony. It was a whole new world for me.”

Auditioning for MYS was a nerve-wracking experience, but it turned into a defining moment. “It was really intimidating when I first auditioned, and then I got placed into the top symphony. I had never played in an orchestra before. But Dr. Gómez was so inviting, and everyone was incredibly welcoming,” Molly recalled. That support and encouragement helped her flourish in an environment where learning and growth were prioritized over perfection.

Molly’s time at MYS extended far beyond music. She described how the experience taught her vital life lessons, especially about teamwork and collaboration. “Playing in an ensemble is such a selfless act,” she explained. “You’re putting yourself out there, navigating interpersonal relationships, and learning to collaborate. It’s a skill that not everyone develops, even in professional settings. MYS gave me a safe space to mess up and learn how to give and take constructive feedback.”

The 2019 tour to Italy and Austria was one of the highlights of Molly’s MYS journey. She fondly remembered the camaraderie it fostered. “There’s often a divide between strings and winds, but on that tour, we really gelled. At a concert in Austria, everyone could feel the energy—it was magical,” she said.

Another standout memory was winning the concerto competition alongside her dear friend Benjamin Hosking. Together, they performed a double piccolo concerto. “It’s always special to play a solo with an orchestra, but to do it with a close friend on such a unique piece made it unforgettable,” she said.

Even during the early days of the pandemic, Molly found ways to keep the music alive. She participated in a unique collaboration organized by Dr. Gómez, performing an electric guitar solo on piccolo for collaboration with Queen’s Brian May on a virtual rendition of Queen’s “Hammer to Fall.” “It was surreal and so much fun to do all those slides and bends on piccolo,” Molly said with a laugh.

Since graduating with a bachelor’s degree in music performance from Portland State University in 2023, Molly has turned her passion into a career. She is works with Canter Flute Repair, a high-end flute repair shop in Beaverton. “I work with musicians from all over the Pacific Northwest, including flutists from the Oregon Symphony,” she shared. “It’s an incredible privilege to help them play their best.”

Molly also enjoys giving young musicians the opportunity to explore high-end instruments. “At a recent flute academy event, students who had only ever played on basic band flutes got to try $10,000 instruments and hear the difference a high-quality instrument makes. Seeing their faces light up is amazing,” she said.

Reflecting on her time at MYS, Molly emphasized its lasting impact. “MYS taught me how to work with others, navigate challenges, and embrace the joy of music. It’s where I grew not just as a musician, but as a person. I’ll always be grateful for that.”

Rebecca Lefferts’ journey with the Metropolitan Youth Symphony (MYS) began when she was in 8th grade and continued through her senior year of high school. Playing clarinet in both the Symphony Orchestra and Concert Orchestra, she found MYS to be more than just a music program—it was a second family. “The sense of community at MYS was incredible,” Rebecca recalls. “It was an extension of your family, and the connection between the conductors and students was so special. Creating music with everyone was amazing.” This close-knit atmosphere, combined with the guidance of talented conductors like Dr. John Richards and Maestro Lajos Balogh, shaped her musical and personal development in profound ways.

However, after graduating from high school, life pulled Rebecca in different directions, and she stopped playing the clarinet for nearly a decade. It wasn’t until much later, during a difficult period in her life that she returned to her instrument. “I hadn’t played in about 10 years, but when I picked up my clarinet again, it felt like my soul came back to me,” she says. Music became a source of healing and reconnection for Rebecca during a time when she needed it most. Today, Rebecca plays in three bands, the Eugene Symphonic Band, Platypus Clarinet Orchestra, and Springfield Concert Band.

The skills Rebecca learned at MYS, especially her leadership experiences, continued to serve her throughout her life. Now an active member of three different performance groups, she reflects on how her time with MYS laid the foundation for her return to music. “In leadership positions at MYS, I learned how to collaborate and guide others, and that has stayed with me. Music has always been different for me from academic life—it’s a way to connect with people on a deeper level.” As an elementary school teacher today, Rebecca uses those same skills of collaboration and connection with her students and colleagues.

Looking back, Rebecca is grateful for how MYS prepared her not only as a musician but also as a person. It provided her with the support system and the passion she needed to rekindle her love for music when she needed it most. “MYS was a place where everyone was passionate about music, and that passion carried me through even during difficult times. Being able to turn to music again after such a long break brought me back to life.” For Rebecca, MYS wasn’t just a part of her youth—it became a source of strength and renewal that she would carry with her throughout her life.

Steffen Schmidt’s musical journey as a violist at MYS spanned over seven years, from fifth grade to his graduation in 2007. This journey, including performing in Symphonic Band as well as being a founding member of MYSfits, profoundly shaped his life—both musically and personally. Today, Steffen is a professional composer, creating soundtracks for video games, films, and virtual reality (VR) projects. Reflecting on his time with MYS, Steffen says, “MYS helped me to get ready for the real world. It helped me grow as a musician, but even more so as a person, pushing me to achieve beyond high school.”

Steffen’s experience at MYS was filled with formative musical opportunities. He participated in two international tours that remain some of his most cherished memories. His first tour in 2005 took him to Austria, Hungary, and Italy, and in 2007, he traveled to China with the symphony. “Those tours were magical. My mom was a single parent, so I had to work hard to raise the funds to go, but that made the experience even more rewarding,” he recalls. This sense of discipline and commitment to his goals became a hallmark of Steffen’s journey, inspiring his dedication to pushing beyond his limits.

Beyond his role as a musician, Steffen also had the opportunity to learn conducting from MYS conductor and co-founder Dr. John Richards. He fondly remembers his first time conducting with the Symphonic Band, which he views as a pivotal moment in his decision to pursue a career as a composer. “Dr. Richards taking a chance on me gave me the confidence to explore roles beyond being just a musician,” Steffen recalls. This experience was integral to his creative journey and opened new doors in his career.

Steffen credits much of his personal growth to the mentorship of Carol Neff, MYS’ General Manager during his time there. “Carol really took me under her wing,” Steffen says. “She nurtured me and invested a lot of time in my personal growth. We would talk on our Saturday morning rides to rehearsal, and those conversations helped shape me into a more focused, mature individual.” The guidance he received from mentors like Carol and Lajos Balogh, his MYS Music Director and private instructor, helped him develop both as a musician and as a person.

Today, Steffen is based in Los Angeles, where he has built a successful career composing for a variety of projects, including video games, films, and VR experiences. Two projects have been present at the 75^th and 81st Venice Film Festival, with one win for “Best VR Experience” with his longtime collaborator from Korea, Check Chae. His work in the video game industry includes composing for Palia, a project that will be showcased at the upcoming MYS concert in March 2025. His creative versatility and global collaborations are a direct extension of the confidence and exposure he gained during his time with MYS.

Looking back on his journey, Steffen reflects, “MYS was a safe space where I could be myself and grow, not just musically, but as a person. The skills I learned there—working hard, staying committed, and being part of something larger than myself—have stuck with me throughout my career.”

Jules Bailey, former Oregon State Representative and Multnomah County Commissioner, played violin with MYS and reflects fondly on his time with us, recalling how it profoundly shaped his outlook on music and life. Though his time with MYS was only for one season in the early 1990s, the experience of playing in an orchestra left a lasting impression. His time in MYS taught him the value of collaboration and the joy of being part of something bigger than himself, key lessons he continues to draw upon in his professional and personal life today.

Jules Bailey’s journey with the violin was almost by chance. Growing up, no one in his family played the instrument, and he didn’t know anyone who did. Like many kids in elementary school, he was planning to join the band and play clarinet, which was a typical choice. However, for a brief period, his school had a strings teacher who visited the class and demonstrated the violin. The moment Jules heard the instrument, it resonated with him. He thought the sound was beautiful and decided to give it a try. That decision opened a new world for him. Though a capable violin player, it wasn’t until he joined MYS that the violin truly came alive for him. “I enjoyed the violin most when I could hear the orchestration around a piece,” Jules recalls. His prior individual lessons never allowed him to fully appreciate the power of ensemble music, but MYS opened a new door: “It unlocked music in general for me,” he says. “Playing alongside other musicians helped me realize the importance of contributing to the larger whole and how individual parts come together to form something greater than themselves.”

His MYS experiences gave Jules life lessons that extended far beyond the world of music. He learned discipline, collaboration, and the ability to navigate complexities while paying close attention to details, lessons that carried over into his successful career. After completing his education at Lewis and Clark College, Jules pursued a career in public service, including six years in the Oregon Legislature, and later was a commissioner for Multnomah County. Now in the private sector, he works in recycling and sustainability at CLYNK —continuing a passion for improving the planet that echoes the same sense of contribution and collaboration he first developed in MYS.

One of Jules’ favorite memories from MYS is when he experienced a breakthrough in his musicianship. A challenging new piece allowed him to connect the dots between reading music and hearing it. “I remember having this overwhelming feeling, for the first time really being able to hear through what I was looking at and understand how it fit into the larger part. It was like the key had been unlocked,” he recalls. This newfound ability to read and interpret music not only gave him confidence in his playing but also laid the foundation for his approach to problem-solving in his career.

Jules believes that programs like MYS are essential for youth today. “Programs like MYS are critically important. They offer kids an opportunity to be part of something larger,” he emphasizes. With individual pursuits becoming more common in today’s digital world, he recognizes the importance of group experiences like those offered at MYS to build collaboration and community at a young age. MYS teaches students to be part of a larger effort, both in music and in life—a lesson that Jules continues to pass on to his own children today.

Emma Davis, an MYS alumna and current Director of Admissions for the prestigious Manhattan School of Music, began her journey in music with the Metropolitan Youth Symphony. Emma joined MYS in 5th grade as part of the Flute Ensemble, led by Marcy Lowman. Playing flute with older students, exploring new repertoire, and being exposed to different instruments like the alto flute enriched her musical education. She eventually graduated to Concert Orchestra, performing with students from across the region, and built friendships with musicians outside her school. These connections, along with the thrill of wearing concert black and performing in different venues, made her time at MYS both musically and socially fulfilling. 

Reflecting on her MYS experience, Emma recalls how the program provided a foundation in responsibility and teamwork. “You learn responsibility really quickly when you are held accountable in an ensemble,” she says. “Those skills—being prepared, adjusting in the moment, not letting the team down—have translated directly into my professional life.” The collaborative, goal-oriented mindset she developed at MYS shaped her approach to her career in music admissions and beyond, helping her show up as a dedicated professional with a creative spirit and a commitment to building something bigger than herself.

One of Emma’s favorite memories from MYS was her time in the Flute Ensemble, where she felt both challenged and included by older peers. She recalls a special performance at a high school in Vancouver, where her ensemble took a group photo and shared notes of encouragement and admiration with one another. As the youngest member, Emma felt proud to be embraced by her bandmates and grateful for a nurturing musical environment that fostered such camaraderie.

For Emma, MYS was more than just a music program—it was a formative experience that instilled a sense of purpose, pride, and community. “MYS gives young people something to work towards, to be proud of, something bigger than themselves,” she reflects. “There’s nothing better than working on something challenging and seeing the impact it has on the audience.” Now, as she looks back at her roots in Portland’s classical music scene, Emma feels fortunate to have been part of a community that nourishes young musicians and celebrates the arts. She is thrilled to see MYS celebrating its 50th year and is proud to have contributed to its legacy.