PoynterGreen’s History

PoynterGreen was established in 2021, when some students and I thought that it would be fun to have a combined concert between Poynter and Evergreen Middle Schools.  Alexa Zuercher (Glencoe Class of 2026) is the person responsible for coining the phrase, ‘PoynterGreen.’ Alexa’s passion and enthusiasm is the exact reason why we have such a student-centered, student-run operation here at PoynterGreen.  

Accomplishments:

In addition to 4 combined performances per year,
PoynterGreen has a storied history with Portland’s Junior Rose Parade.
2025 Gold Award
2024 Gold Award
2023 Silver Award
2022 Silver Award
2019 Junior Rose Parade Participant
2018 Junior Rose Parade Participant

About Mr. Johnson

I am a band kid.  I will say it louder for those in the back - I am a BAND KID.  Music has been a driving force in my life since I was a baby.  During the years of Elementary and Middle School, my parents took it upon themselves to strongly support my enrollment in something.   Because, boys.  We need to stay busy.  By the time Middle School rolled around, I had a couple of friends that made some not-so-good life choices and ended up on the wrong side of the law.  It became evident that being more deeply involved in music was going to keep me on a good path, and that is absolutely true.   In 7th grade, my mother drove me to not one, but two private lessons every Monday - brass and guitar.   My guitar lessons were at the old Beaverton Music store, and my brass lessons were with Art Eastwood, in a studio space that sat above what is now Exiled Records in Raleigh Hills (at the time, the record store was a video store that sold only classic movies and my mother would shop there).  
8th Grade Fashion!
The years of 1987-1989 proved to be very sucessful for me, musically.  Our Cedar Park Junior high band, led by the great Bob Ernst, had one of the most talented rosters in its history.  We were even able to pull off the amazing piece, 'Cantica Sacra' by Elliot Del Borgo.  This one is out of print; otherwise, I'd be happy to post a link to it here.  
Sunset High School 1992, pre-astro turf!
Pit Orchestra for 'My Fair Lady,' 1992
2016 - My son Jude was born the first day of school.
This may be for the adults, but, I have PERSONALLY conqured bamboo in my yard (as evidenced by me holding the last root).  It's been gone for 6 years!

 

Now HERE is something that I dearly miss doing... playing gigs!