We Will MISS Vance

Vance R. Sele, Artistic Director Emeritus

A lifelong Oregonian with Minnesota Norwegian (a little Swedish) and Canadian (Icelandic) roots, Mr. Sele retired after 36 years as the High School Choral Director, Choral Teacher, and Guitar Teacher at Glencoe High School in Hillsboro, Oregon. He lives in Hillsboro with his wife Kyle where they enjoy working around the house on endless projects, and spending time with great friends. He is blessed with, and proud of two adult children and two adult step-children, all of whom live active, positive lives in Portland and Hillsboro, Oregon and Seattle, Washington. He became the director of the Scandinavian Chorus in September 2010, and in his words, “really enjoyed working with such a kind and energetic group of musicians.” Under his leadership the chorus transitioned to presenting programs balanced in all five Nordic languages (Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, Norwegian, and Swedish). In early 2020 the chorus renamed itself Portland Nordic Chorus to reflect this expanded scope. As Vance approached his tenth anniversary as Artistic Director, the Chorus was unanimously in favor of keeping him on for another ten years, but as his lovely wife Kyle joined him in retirement from their day jobs they requested the freedom to travel at will. 

Mr. Sele retired as Artistic Director June 2020 after a successful successor search and a spring season that ended after nine rehearsals and a Saturday retreat. Our last rehearsal with Vance was March 9, 2020.  He was an immensely helpful participant in our search for a new director throughout the spring. We wish him many happy trails with family and friends. Glade stier og mörg ár framundan!