PLC Choir Program

Pacific Lutheran College's Choir and Vocal Program offers students a transformative musical experience, enriching their educational journey and personal growth. Recently, the choir had the privilege of engaging with renowned vocal coaches, Sharon Brooks, and Darren Percival, enhancing their skills, and inspiring their passion for music.

Sharon Brooks, a celebrated vocal coach, performer, recording artist, and actress, conducted workshops for Junior Pacific Voices and students in Years 6 to 11. Her incredible talent and dedication captivated the students, leaving them awe inspired. Sharon's genuine love for the performing arts shone through as she extended her workshop hours and even offered recording opportunities to the senior students on her upcoming release in 2024. Sharon, originally from Barbados, has travelled the world singing and most recently appeared in the Elvis movie starring Tom Hanks.

On Tuesday 7^th November, the senior students welcomed Darren Percival, a highly successful Australian vocalist and runner-up on The Voice in 2012. Darren's workshop was not just educational but also incredibly inspiring. I knew we were in for a treat when he selected Kanye West’s Sunday Service -Lord You’re Holy Ballin. He shared insights into the music industry, including singing in front of 80,000 people at the State of Origin and singing for commercials. He sang acapella with the students and even led an unplanned rendition of the National Anthem during the Middle and Senior College Assembly. It was fantastic to hear almost 600 PLC voices singing in unison.

Both Sharon Brooks and Darren Percival emphasize the benefits of choir and vocal ensembles, including inclusiveness, community, sharing, mental health, and experiencing a fun and safe environment. As Darren said, "the science is in, the word is out – singing is good for our health." Research supports these claims, showing that students who participate in choirs are more successful academically, with improved grades in mathematics and language arts. Parents report overall academic improvement and enhanced language arts and math skills in their children after joining a choir.

Pacific Lutheran College's Choir and Vocal Program provides invaluable benefits for students, a fact supported by both parents and teachers. Choral singing has been proven to enhance various aspects of a child's development, including keeping students engaged, building self-confidence, improving memory skills, fostering creativity, instilling practice habits, enhancing academic performance, promoting social development, and emphasizing group participation.

The unanimous agreement among parents and teachers on these benefits underscores the positive impact of choral singing on children's overall development. Pacific Lutheran College's Choir and Vocal Program not only enriches students' musical abilities but also nurtures their self-confidence, creativity, social skills, and wellbeing, making it a truly holistic and enriching experience.

• Pacific Senior Voices rehearse on Monday afternoons from 3.30pm to 4.15pm. Term 4 is open to anyone currently in Years 6 to 11.
• Pacific Junior Voices rehearse on Monday at Lunchtime and are currently rehearsing for end of year performances. Students in Years 3 – 6 in 2024 can register for the 2024 Program.
• New for 2024 - Primo Voices – Rehearsal time TBA. Designed for students in Years 1 and 2. Enrolment in this program will be available in early 2024. 

For more information regarding the Choir program, please don’t hesitate to contact Mrs. Helen Williams at hwilliams@pacluth.qld.edu.au, or myself a pcusick@pacluth.qld.edu.au

Mr Paul Cusick, Acting Head of Department - Music