OMEA Honors Joseph Ostrand for Outstanding Early Career Work in Music Education

In January 2025, Mr. Joseph Ostrand, Portland Christian Schools’ middle and high school band and choir director, received one of the highest honors a music educator can achieve early in their career: the Outstanding Early Career Music Educator Award from the Oregon Music Education Association (OMEA). This prestigious award is given to teachers within their first seven years of teaching who demonstrate exemplary impact on their students, school community, and the broader music education field.

Since joining Portland Christian Schools in 2018, Mr. Ostrand has transformed the PCS music program into one of Oregon’s most respected among 1A/2A schools—while also becoming a deeply beloved mentor and role model to his students. His recognition at the state level affirms what PCS families, faculty, and students have long known: his influence is extraordinary.

The 2024–2025 school year stands as a testament to Mr. Ostrand’s skill, dedication, and leadership:

• The Vocal Ensemble placed second at the OMEA Chamber State Competition, a prestigious, size-blind event featuring Oregon’s top vocal groups. Despite competing with only six students, PCS stood out among larger ensembles from major public high schools—earning a top-three finish in a field of fourteen elite groups.
  
• The Concert Choir earned third place in the OSAA Choir State Championships, competing as one of only twelve 1A/2A schools statewide. Their strong sight-reading score of 53 out of 60 and powerful on-stage performance earned them a well-deserved spot on the podium.
  
• PCS’s High School Band secured fourth place in the 2A/1A Band/Orchestra State Championships, impressing adjudicators with the second-highest sight-reading score of the day.
  

Each of these ensembles was the smallest group in the top tier of their competition categories—highlighting not only the musicality but the finesse and power cultivated under Mr. Ostrand’s guidance.

Behind these remarkable results is a director whose influence reaches far beyond performance. As Middle & High School Principal Mrs. Banducci shared:

“Mr. Ostrand is an incredible music director who cares deeply about his students, has a gift for developing artists, and is committed to student success. He is well-loved by all of his students for his kindness and commitment.”

Class of 2025 graduates echoed this praise:

Corbin Hughes reflected:

“Mr. Ostrand is the greatest music teacher I could ask for. From vocal ensemble to unexpected band trips to AP Music Theory way back in my sophomore year, Mr. Ostrand has helped me grow not only as a musician, but as a person and a confident man of God. Mr. Ostrand is beloved amongst all students. He is patient, kind, caring, and sacrifices so much of his time for the benefit of his students. I’m so blessed to have had him as my teacher, and am eternally grateful God guided me to his classroom.”
“She gawn.” – Mr. O.

Susan Asaya shared:

“Mr. O has been instrumental in my growth as a musician. When I first joined choir in my freshman year I was not a very strong singer, but he helped lay the foundation for me to improve. He is very committed and knows how to bring out the best sound in his students. Each morning, he drives a long commute for a 7:20 am zero period class with the vocal ensemble. Most of all I appreciate his focus on making music to glorify God. Each year it has been a privilege to perform, practice, and play instruments under his leadership. The Disneyland trip in 2024 was so fun! LET OSTRAND FLY!!!”

Naomi Wagner said:

“Mr. Ostrand has inspired me to pursue my music dreams to become a band director. He proves every day that teaching music IS fun and that the music community can be so fun to be a part of, even when it requires difficult work. He has aided me in participating in so many events such as honor bands, solo competitions, and group ensemble competitions. He works hard and shows up for every one of his students. He is truly inspiring. I think I speak for the entire PCS music community when I say WE LOVE MR. OSTRAND!!!!”

Mr. Ostrand’s state-level honor comes after years of consistent excellence:

• 2024: PCS Concert Choir won the 2A/1A Choir State Championship.
  
• 2023: High School Band placed fifth in the state.
  
• 2018–Present: Multiple students from both middle school and high school shone at All-State Music Conferences, with solo and small ensemble finalists.
  
• 2018–Present: Mr. Ostrand has built a vibrant music program with annual performances at The Grotto, spring musicals with live student pit orchestras, and standout middle school ensembles that receive high praise despite their small size.
  

Throughout it all, Mr. Ostrand has remained deeply rooted in his mission:

“Music is strong here in Oregon,” he once shared. “My continued prayer is that we can foster a safe and welcoming place at PCS to allow for students to make music, make mistakes, and grow by trying something new.”

Receiving the Outstanding Early Career Music Educator Award is not just a milestone for Mr. Ostrand—it is a reflection of the vibrant, Christ-centered music community he has cultivated at Portland Christian Middle & High School.

His students appreciate their teacher who walks beside them—through early morning rehearsals, tough competitions, joyful performances, and moments of personal growth.

In every rehearsal and every concert, Mr. Ostrand has created something lasting: not just beautiful music, but confident, capable, compassionate young people.