Beaverton, OR. – When Portland Community College’s Sam Barbara is asked whether he preferred working with Barry Manilow or The Rolling Stones, it’s not a hypothetical question — he’s done both.
Barbara, who directs the Rock Creek Campus choir, once stood on stage at the Staples Center beside Mick Jagger, describing the moment as “inspiring” and unforgettable. His Los Angeles years, spent coordinating high-profile performances for the University of Southern California choir, included appearances at Nancy Reagan’s house, The Jay Leno Show, and even Glee.
Now, after earning his Doctorate of Musical Arts in Choral Music from USC, Barbara channels that experience into his work with Portland Community College’s Music Program. “USC really gave me access to high-profile artists and taught me that you have to hustle and build your network if you want to make it,” he said.
Barbara’s 30-plus-member chamber choir will headline a series of fall performances beginning with the Rock Creek Bands and Choirs’ Midterm Performance on Nov. 5 at The Forum. The choir will also appear at Portland’s Grotto Festival of Lights on Dec. 3, perform Bach’s Cantata 142 with Clark College on Dec. 6 in Vancouver, and close with their Final Concert on Dec. 10 at The Forum. All shows start at 7 p.m.
“We’ve got strong new singers and excellent retention from last year,” Barbara said. “This is probably the most talented group I’ve had since before the pandemic.”
A Medford native and former Fulbright Scholar, Barbara returned to Oregon after directing choral programs at Westminster College in Pennsylvania. Earlier in his career, he led Cleveland High School choirs to three state championships.
Beyond the music, Barbara says choir offers something deeper: “For many, it’s the breath of fresh air that carries them through academic or economic stress. It’s a community.”
PCC’s Music Program, which offers two concerts per term and prepares students for careers in performance, education, and therapy, emphasizes ensemble collaboration as the core of musical growth.
For more information on the program and upcoming performances, visit www.pcc.edu/music.
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