_Joey%20Ooi.jpg?width=400&height=300&name=SP%2023%20Chorale%20Tour%20(3)_Joey%20Ooi.jpg)
The Chorale collaborates whenever possible with other music programs in the region. Each year, the Music Department hosts music festivals and shared concerts, inviting schools along the Eastern seaboard to visit and perform at our campus. The Chorale often combines with the Chamber Orchestra for joint performances.
Under the direction of Mr. Rod Appleton, Chorale has grown from a student organization with volunteer directors to an official course offering and touring ensemble. The ensemble has a substantial and growing repertoire ranging from arrangements of medieval chants to Baroque masterpieces to modern settings of folk tunes and spirituals. Through these shared offerings, experiences, and love of music, Chorale has become a musical family for the many students who have participated in it.
Our first purpose is to make a musical offering in the spirit of I Thessalonians 5:18: “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
In addition, we integrate the concepts of musical ministry with the highest possible degree of applied musical artistry and professionalism. We seek to represent Christ to a skeptical world by holding our ensemble and its members to high standards of spiritual and musical accountability.
We hope to speak of Christ both by our standard of excellence, “striving to do all to the glory of God,” and “by our love for one another,” the evidence of Christ’s work in our lives individually and corporately.
God opened doors for the PHC Chorale to tour in California this spring. The Chorale sang at high schools—both public and private, at homeschool co-ops, and at churches large and small. Building off evangelistic opportunities seen last year in New England, the Chorale was blessed to share their love for Christ and His call on their lives with all kinds of audiences, and with people of all faith backgrounds.
(Video by Mark Shankov, Strategic Intelligence, Class of 2026)
Your support, both financially and prayerfully, is critical for tours like this. Through RaiseRight, you can save up to 20% on everyday purchases with more than 500 retailers and support PHC Chorale in the process. Learn more.
The PHC Chorale traveled to New England in April 2023 and saw firsthand the leading and blessing of God in sharing their music in churches and schools across the region. They also ministered in a senior living center, sang in coffee shops, and on street corners in Boston. Homestays allowed more ministry as students testified of their faith with hosts. The Chorale was so excited to share their music, but they were also in New England to share the gospel. The beauty of Christ and his “Amazing Grace” was evident through tears and embraces from some very weary congregants, blessed profoundly by the music and gospel message of hope. The students themselves grew in their love for one another and for those with little hope.
In April 2010, the Patrick Henry College Chorale embarked on an extended tour of Europe, traveling to Munich, Germany, Salzburg and Vienna, Austria, and Venice, Italy. The Chorale performed at churches, universities, and at a number of historic cathedrals, including The Church of San Rocco in Venice, Italy.
Interested students may audition at the beginning of the fall semester. Chorale auditions may also be performed at the beginning of the spring semester in conjunction with an audition for the J.S. Bach Musical Leadership Scholarship. The purpose of the audition is to become familiar with a singer’s abilities, musical background, and potential placement within the ensemble.
Participation in the ensemble includes four hours of rehearsal per week, participation at performances, and sharing in the practical needs of the organization. Students are asked to commit to a full academic year in Chorale: teamwork is integral to accomplishing the goals of the ensemble, and each semester builds upon the accomplishments of the previous one.
