About Us

Sr. Denise Klaas, SSMO

Sr. Denise Klaas, SSMO, serves as music director and teacher for Valley Catholic Elementary School and Valley Catholic Youth Orchestra, teaches Music Appreciation classes for Valley Catholic Middle School, and is a faculty member of Valley Catholic Music School.

After graduating from Bishop Kelly High School in Boise, Idaho, Sr. Denise earned a bachelor’s of music from Boise State University, and a master's in music education from the University of Portland.

Prior to teaching at Valley Catholic School, Sr. Denise has been a music educator in the following Oregon schools since 1984:St. Agatha School Portland, grades kindergarten through eight; LaSalle High School, Milwaukie, grades nine through twelve; Christ the King School, Milwaukie, gradesfive through eight; St. Mary of the Valley School, Beaverton, grades kindergarten through six. Sr. Denise has taught music and hand bells as well as coordinated Masses and prayer services for Camp Howard's Jesus Jamboree in past summers.

Sr. Denise is the music director for Valley Catholic Youth Orchestra, grade four violin classes, Marion Singers (grades four and five), Valley Catholic hand bell team (fifth grade), and general music classes in kindergarten through fifth grade. She also teaches music appreciation classes for the Valley Catholic Middle School, grades six through eight. Sister also teaches private voice lessons as a faculty member of Valley Catholic Music School. Sr. Denise coordinates the Masses and liturgies throughout the school year for Valley Catholic Elementary School and assists with the music for the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon.