Ryan Heller, Master Director, is thrilled to be Director of the Pride of Portland Chorus. Having grown up in a barbershop household, Ryan sang with the Vocal Gentry as a young man. Mr. Heller recently completed his M.M. in Conducting from Portland State University and holds his B.M. in Conducting and Vocal studies from Chapman University in Southern California, both suma cum laude. 

While in CA, he served as Asst. Conductor of the Chapman University Chamber Choir, conducting the choir on tours throughout the western United States and Italy, as well as singing with the internationally acclaimed University Singers. He was also the Chorus-Master of Opera Chapman and appeared in productions of The Magic Flute, Sweeney Todd, Carmen, and as a featured singer in the annual musical revue: American Celebration. Ryan also served as Musical Director at the Chance Theater in Anaheim, where he conducted performances of Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore, and others. He was the Music Director at the Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Church, and appeared as guest conductor of the summer music festival Song Fest!

Upon returning to Oregon, Ryan began his tenure at Portland State University, where he conducted the Madrigal Choir, Women's Choir, and appeared as Chorus-master of the PSU Opera. Ryan is the co-founder, Artistic Director, and Conductor of the Columbia Chorale of Oregon, a community-based chorale committed to presenting great choral masterpieces. He is also the Conductor and Music Director of the Southwest Washington Symphony Orchestra.  He has conducted, sung with, and/or recorded with such groups as: Portland Opera, Choral Cross Ties, Cappella Romana, William Hall Master Chorale, Broadway Rose Theater Co., Lakewood Theater, and Theater in the Grove, among many others.

Hailed by critics as "...fresh, exciting, bold...a bright young star on today's musical scene," Mr. Heller is in continual demand as conductor, coach, teacher, and singer in a variety of styles and genres. He has previously studied conducting with Dr. Bruce Browne, Dr. William Hall, Dr. Joni-Lynn Stechko, Dr. George Harshbarger, Dr. Michael Birch-Pesses, Mo. Jim Coleman, and Joe Liles. He has studied voice with David Jimerson, Patrick Goeser, Scott Tuomi, and Linda Smith.

Pride of Portland is honored and excited to have such an accomplished Director leading us!!