When Jocelyn started Pacific Chorale Academy as a fourth grader, she was shy, introverted, and could hardly be heard when she spoke. But she loved to sing, and her smile shone through during rehearsals as she became a stronger and braver singer. Two years later, Jocelyn was a leader in her section and was singing solos in front of an audience. Her confidence onstage shone through when she received her black Pacific Chorale jacket as a graduating sixth grader. Now in middle school, Jocelyn is still in choir, and has even branched out to participating in her school’s drama productions. Pacific Chorale Academy gave Jocelyn the confidence that her voice mattered.
Pacific Chorale’s unique after-school program uses choral music education as a means to reinforce the very important things that Jocelyn learned: self-confidence, persistence, and teamwork. Through the joy of singing, students discover their voices as individuals and as a group. That is why Pacific Chorale dedicates almost 10% of its budget to education programs serving disadvantaged students–because everyone has a voice.
Writer Credit: Molly Buzick Pontin (Pacific Chorale)
Photo Credit: Diana Hensley