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OK – one from the proud mum album here. My eldest started High School this year and I had to admit I was worried. In primary, my eldest was a misfit – didn’t seem to fit in anywhere. Going to High School is confronting for anyone – especially a massive school with nearly 2000 kids in it. It is easy to get lost in the crowd. I was worried about what would happen with her.

She started at Ferny Grove High School and joined the choir (after much nagging from yours truly).  You see, Rachel had a bad experience of singing and music at primary school – the “music” teacher sucked all of the fun and enjoyment out of music, leaving Rachel with the belief she was untalented and couldn’t sing (in primary school!)  Rachel told me she had learnt not to bother pursuing your dreams because you will fail anyway. This teacher was the ultimate dream stealer. It was from this base that Rachel joined the choir at High School.

From day one something changed in her. Stephanie McCaw and Grantley Sutch loved music. They lived for it and had as much fun as the kids. They mucked around and made music the joy it could be. Everyone in the choir was seen as talented and everyone was welcomed with open arms. This choir has over 300 kids in it and the sound is amazing when they all sing.

Rachel loved it and music re-entered her life. She started to sing again in the shower and around the house, before one day announcing she was going to try out for the audition only Chamber Choir. Only the best of the best were accepted into the choir – with only 3-4 kids per year grade being accepted.

She went to the audition with knocking knees, and churning stomach. But she went … and was accepted. She walked home like she was 10 foot tall. She was accepted. Think about it – something that she was told she was no good at by a dream stealer, Rachel suddenly discovered she was accepted in. She was OK. She was better than OK. She was one of the best.

Her marks across the board picked up. Cs became A’s and B’s in all her subjects. Rachel tried out for debating and learnt from the experience. She now volunteers in the school library during breaks.  She is part of a few solid friendship groups that span all years in the school. She is a confident and active participant in the school – all from that one moment of acceptance.

Chamber Choir works hard – two mornings a week we are at the school at 7am for rehearsals. Before performances lunches and weekends are willingly sacrificed. But every rehearsal is filled with fun and joy. And the results shine through.

These kids are talented and great – but they could not be brilliant without the dedication and passionate teaching of Ms McCaw and Mr Sutch. Talent + Talent = Brilliance

This combination of brilliance was recognised this morning when the Ferny Grove State High School Chamber Choir won the 612ABC Brisbane school bands/choirs competition from public and private schools across Brisbane. (My youngest also competed in her primary school band, and did a great job for a primary band. I am also super proud of her achievements but this post is not about her journey).

Listen to the Ferny Grove High performance of the Maori version of Ave Maria and you will get goosebumps. You hear the passion. You hear the emotion. You hear the brillance.

Even if Rachel does nothing else with her music than simply love it and enjoy – a positive foundation has been set for her future thanks to two talented teachers.

So, the next time you find a dream stealer attacking your dream – think of Rachel. Think about the difference a talented mentor who believes in your ability can make. Think about the difference learning with fun can make. Think about having one more go. Think about the difference acceptance can make to a life.

If you want to hear the Ferny Grove State High School choir perform, they will be at the Racecourse Road Street Party as part of the Brisbane Festival this Sunday afternoon in Brisbane. Hope to see you there!

Until next time

Ingrid Cliff

We put your business into words

Heart Harmony – Freelance Writer