Lincoln High School
Music Department
Portland, OR
Our Teachers
David Kays
Director of Instrumental Music IB
Lisa Riffel
Choir Director
Mr. Kays came to Lincoln High School in 2015. He is a Portland native and holds a Bachelor degree of Music Education from the University of Oregon and a Master of Music Education from Arizona State University. Mr. Kays plays the French horn. He studied with Ed Kammerer at the UofO and with Thomas Bacon at ASU. He has performed with many musicians in many ensembles: the UofO marching band, turning pages for Philip Farkas’ accompanist, backing up the Canadian Brass, performing in the Tempe Symphony Orchestra, to name just a few.
In 2011 Mr. Kays was a Yale Distinguished Music Educator, a biennial award given to 50 music educators from around the country who then participate in a seminar at Yale University. Mr. Kays treasures the community that music creates and the joy that it brings people. He looks forward to much joy at Lincoln High School.
Lisa Riffel is starting her first year at Lincoln High School. She holds bachelor degrees in Music Education (Vocal Performance emphasis) and Spanish from La Sierra University, and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Portland State University. She studied choral conducting with Dr. Ethan Sperry at PSU and also served as the Music Education Graduate Teaching Assistant under the guidance of Debra Glaze. Lisa has taught a variety of music classes at the university.
Lisa is passionate about choral music both as a conductor and as a singer. She currently sings in the Portland State Chamber Choir and in the Oregon Repertory Singers, and conducts the choir at the Bridgeport United Church of Christ. Lisa is in awe of the power that making music together has to bring community, joy, and fulfillment. She aims to provide this experience for Lincoln students.