50 Years of Music Making and Barrier Breaking

Welcome to the Metropolitan Youth Symphony’s 50th Anniversary celebration! As we mark this incredible milestone, we reflect on five decades of giving every child in our region the opportunity to learn music.

Our journey has been filled with unforgettable performances, dedicated students, and unwavering support from families, alumni, and patrons like you. Our community has inspired and supported us from our first concert on May 23, 1975, to our 50th Anniversary season opener. Together, we have built a legacy of excellence, access, and innovation in music education.

As we celebrate our past, we look forward to an exciting future. Thank you for being a part of our musical family!

Dr. Raúl Gómez-Rojas, Music Director

Diana Scoggins, Executive Director


50 Years, 50 Stories

50 Years, 50 Stories commemorates the students, alumni, parents, volunteers, and supporters who have built MYS’ community. Check back regularly for new stories posted here, and on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

About Lajos Balogh

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.

About Nita Van Pelt

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.

About John Keil Richards

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.

About Molly Duggan

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.”

About Rebecca Lefferts

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.