Kris Van Auken Scholarship Fund
In the 2024–2025 season nearly 40% of youth choir singers (about 75) received financial assistance totaling over $50,000, the highest level of need in our history. As the program continues to grow, so does the need for financial assistance, but we remain committed to ensuring that no child is turned away due to financial barriers, while keeping tuition affordable. There is a place for all singers in the ORS Youth Choir to Sing, Engage, and Belong.
Adele shares the positive impact of ORS Youth Choir in the video below.
Who was Kris Van Auken?
Kris Van Auken joined ORS Youth Choir as accompanist and music theory teacher shortly after its inception. She was later promoted to Artistic Director, a position she held for eight years before retiring in 2013. A graduate of Pacific Lutheran University and Lewis and Clark College, Kris was known for her compassion and love for children as they journeyed through the world of music. She taught elementary general music, strings, band, and choir in three Portland area school districts and Oregon Episcopal School, as well as piano and Kindermusik in a private studio. She served as President of the local Kodaly Educators Chapter (SWOKE) and was a well-known accompanist and chorister in Portland.
The Kris Van Auken Scholarship program was established by her husband, Don, upon her passing in 2019 to honor her commitment to music education for nearly 40 years. Since 2019, the fund has awarded over $12,000 in scholarships to countless youth to participate in the ORS Youth Choir full-year and summer-camp programming.
Your gift to the Kris Van Auken Scholarship Fund directly supports singers in the ORS Youth Choir and, no matter the amount, makes a meaningful difference.
Thank you for believing in the power of music to inspire and uplift. Your support means the world to these young singers—and future generations of singers.
Be sure to select “Kris Van Auken Scholarship” as your gift designation.
Questions? Message our office or call 503-230-0652.