Those who pass by the Schroeder’s in Gresham, Oregon are likely to hear the melodious sound of choral works or Broadway showtunes echoing through their family home. Early in the morning you can hear Jeff waking his children with a rendition of “Oh, what a beautiful mornin’” from Broadway musical “Oklahoma!” or his wife, Amber, encouraging her kids to harmonize with songs on the radio.
With music ever-present throughout their childhood, it is no wonder all three of their children are gifted singers. And it was only a matter of time before their middle child, Camden, was invited to join the Stangeland Family Youth Choral Academy (SFYCA) at the Oregon Bach Festival this summer. Following in his father’s footsteps, Camden will be a second-generation SFYCA participant. Jeff is a 1999 alum of the program.
Jeff with SFYCA founding artistic director, Anton Armstrong, 1999
“It was kind of like going to a summer camp for choral nerds!” Jeff recalled fondly. “It was an amazing experience. I had so much fun singing with an orchestra for the first time, meeting students from all over, and learning to love Bach.”
Rising Sam Barlow High School senior, Camden, is most excited to meet new people and sleep in the campus dorms, acting as a college student for the week. He will participate in rehearsals, masterclasses, and workshops. “It is every choir kid’s dream!” Camden said.
Camden performs in a musical
For the Schroeder family, music is everything. In fact, it is the reason their family of five exists! Jeff and Amber met in college when they were both in the Portland State University choir. Today, they share their passion for music as educators at Sam Barlow High School with Jeff as the theatre teacher and Amber as the choir teacher. “I can’t imagine my life without choral music,” Jeff said. “It really has changed my life.”
Jeff poses with his Amber, Camden, and daughter, Bella
A student in both of their classes, Camden has spent his scholastic career performing in choral concerts and musicals. Singing is so engrained in him; it is how he expresses himself when words fail. “If, sometimes, I can't find the words to say something, I sing it,” Camden said. “Every now and then when I'm sad, instead of saying how I’m feeling, I sing a power ballad.”
This week, Camden will have every opportunity to express himself through song as he heads to Eugene for SFYCA. As Jeff passes the torch, he offered these words of advice: “Enjoy every moment of it because you get to meet people that enjoy the same things as you—your community.”
Joining Camden at the Oregon Bach Festival, his 12-year-old sister Bella will perform with the Pacific Youth Choir, a group in which Camden is also involved. Meanwhile, their oldest sibling, Andrew, is studying vocal performance in college, continuing the family’s musical legacy.
Jeff smiles alongside Andrew after his performance in the title role of Don Giovanni at N. Arizona University