Table of Contents 4 The Sisters’ Magnum Opus page 4
The joy of music is an essential part of life for the renowned faculty of Valley Catholic Music School.
8 Orchestrating a Music Program
Sister Denise Klaas pours love into every note at Valley Catholic Elementary School.
12 Stepping Up to the Podium
Influential teachers set the bar high for Valley Catholic orchestra director Travis Hatton. He passes the baton to his students each time he raises his own baton. page 8
16 Always Seeking a Fresh Direction
A “Trip to Neptune” began a journey that brought director Ginnie Sutfin to Valley Catholic.
20 Banding Together
Before the kickoff of a football game — before the tip-off of a basketball game — the Valley Catholic Pep Band is already in action. page 12
22 The Language of Music
As she did on stage, singer and pianist Terri Mersereau shines at Maryville.
26 Ring Out in Celebration
On the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon campus, 2014 was a groundbreaking year.
30 Expressions We Keep Deep in Our Hearts page 16
For pianist Eloise Kim ’10, music connects artists and audiences through a shared humanity.
32 Alumni Notes Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Sister Charlene Herinckx ’66, Superior General page 20
Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Ministries Corporation Sister Adele Marie Altenhofen, President Editor Barbara Kerr, APR Designer Todd Sargood
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Contributors Sister Adele Marie Altenhofen, Meghan Blood ’09, Annabelle Groh, Sister Charlene Herinckx ’66, Jeff Szabo, Danielle Tomich
Spirit magazine is published by the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon and their sponsored ministries. All rights reserved. Questions, comments or address changes: SSMO Ministries Corporation 4440 SW 148th Avenue Beaverton, OR 97078 503-644-9181 spirit@ssmoministries.org
Cover photo by Jeff Szabo. Back cover photo by Todd Sargood. Travis Hatton’s photo with the Sunnyside Symphony appears courtesy Pamplin Media Group. Ginnie Sutfin was photographed at Portland Center Stage at the Armory on Aug. 29, 2014. 3