School pride reigns as Sacred Heart wins GoGospel Clash of the Choirs Competition

13 Jul 2016

By The Record

As proud winners of the prestigious GoGospel Clash of the Choirs Competition, the Sacred Heart Thornlie Choir posed in front of its trophy at His Majesty’s Theatre on 11 June. Photo: Supplied

The Sacred Heart Thornlie Youth Choir had much to celebrate on 11 June after it was announced as the proud winner of the prestigious GoGospel Clash of the Choirs Competition.

Held at His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth, the memorable night saw world-renowned Gospel artists in concert and several talented choirs/bands coming together to contest live in a battle to win the $5,000 prize money and trophy.

The Thornlie Youth Choir came in first place and also won the people’s choice prize of $500.

Implemented in the Year 2000, consisting of just eight members ranging in age from six to 11 years old, the Thornlie Youth Choir has been under the leadership of Mrs Sandy Louis – choir director, singer, keyboard player, arranger and teacher.

By the year 2004, the group had increased in size to over 32 members. As some of the children were now in high school, there was the need to separate the primary-aged children and youth, so, in 2006, a New Youth Choir was formed, formerly known as the Rize-Up Choir.

This group continued until 2009, ending because of study commitments.

In 2013, however, the New Thornlie Youth Choir was formed, consisting of live musicians for worship instead of pre-recorded keyboard music. This new choir consisted of 16 members who all belonged to the existing Children’s Choir with the exception of one who joined in 2014. Some members have been singing at Mass now for 10 to 16 years. The age group ranges from 15 to 23 years old. The New Youth Choir musicians consist of a lead/rhythm guitarist, bass guitarist, pianist, drummer and keyboardist.

Parish Priest of Sacred Heart, Monsignor Timothy Corcoran, attended the gala event and was extremely proud of the youth for their dedication and enthusiasm.

Dedicated to delivering reflective, creative and uplifting music for the Mass, the Youth Choir singers and musicians push the musical boundaries at church with their unique sound of joyful and reflective music all the while respecting the heart, soul and traditions of the parish community.

Since the inception of the Children and Youth Choirs, they have been blessed to receive local exposure, having appeared for four years in succession for the Archbishop’s Shopfront Christmas Concert for the homeless; participated and performed for many special Masses, such as Teachers’ Thanksgiving; Catholic Mission Day; Carols in the Park; City of Cockburn Carols, and Sacramental Masses.

The Children’s Choir is now in its 16th year running at Sacred Heart Church in Thornlie under the same leadership and Musical Director with a total of 22 current members. The Youth Choir is now in its third year and hopes to continue for many more.

The Thornlie Youth Choir’s purpose and passion is to serve Christ with musical gifts, bringing peace, restoration, healing and inspiration to all willing to lend their ears and hearts.

The Thornlie Choir which won the GoGospel Clash of the Choirs Competition was composed of Aaron Figredo, Luke Figredo, Fierra Surrao, Joshua Louis, Monica de Brito Pereira, Desiree D’Souza, Kayla Francis, Shania D’Souza, Marcus Figredo, Isabella de Brito Pereira, Marissa Figredo, Daniel Jackson, Alysha Curran, Jasmine Scott, Dayna Francis and Sandy Louis, from Sacred Heart Church in Thornlie.

Does your church choir or band and/or Gospel choir have what it takes to win the contest next year? Western Australia choirs interested in taking part in this event can register by sending an email on gogospelaustralia@gmail.com or by sending a message on the GoGospel Facebook page or visit http://www.gogospel.com.au.