Recognizing the vital need for strong, healthy, and engaging music and choral programs for youth, the Phoenix Boys Choir and Phoenix Girls Chorus have created the Crescendo Music Education Enrichment Program.
This initiative invites music educators, arts teachers, and school and district administrators from across the Valley to enroll, engage, and learn from experienced Phoenix Boys Choir and Phoenix Girls Chorus staff.
Participants gain insight into a wide range of relevant classroom topics, including vocal development, rehearsal strategies, program-building, and more.
Through this program, educators have access to a catalog of free resources designed to support and strengthen their music instruction that helps to foster excellence in the classroom and beyond.
PGC/PBC’s mentoring program delivers measurable growth for K–12 choir and music educators. Our certified, AZ-fingerprinted instructors collaborate with teachers to understand their goals, classrooms, and students, then observe instruction to identify targeted next steps.
Through our 3-lesson and year-long models, directors lead rehearsals and classroom lessons while educators observe proven strategies in action. Follow-up meetings and final sessions measure progress in teaching practice, student learning, and ensemble performance.
Looking for an engaging, relevant, and practical choral workshop for your school, district, or organization? Invite PBC/PGC to present a FREE professional development session designed to inspire educators and strengthen choral programs. Our experienced clinicians offer interactive workshops on a variety of high-impact topics, including:
- Building the Young Choral Sound
- Effective Warm Ups for Young Voices
- “How to Be a Choir Ninja” – Using Novelty in Your Choir Program
- Avoiding Teacher Burnout
- The Male Changing Voice
- Female Vocal Technique and Identity
- Alexander Technique and Body Alignment for Singers & Educators
- Why it Matters – Score Prep, Sight Reading, Ear Training and Singer Placement
Sessions are tailored to your audience and provide immediately applicable strategies educators can use the very next day.
Our seasoned educators work directly with your students to strengthen sound, musicianship, and performance confidence all while reinforcing the musical concepts you’re already teaching.
Choir Clinics Include:
- Open to all grade levels, voices, and ensemble types
- Available during, before, or after the school day
- Full-ensemble clinics or targeted sectionals
- Instruction aligned to your concert repertoire and teaching goals
- Fresh perspectives that reinforce technique, musicianship, and ensemble skills
- Support at any point in the school year—concert prep, retreats, or skill-building sessions
Share your repertoire and goals in advance, and our clinicians arrive prepared to dive into what matters most for your choir—meeting students where they are and helping them grow.
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Available at your school or at the Phoenix Boys Choir building
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Designed for small-group instruction or 1:1 instruction
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Focus on sight-reading strategies, vocal technique, and professional audition conduct
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Led by experienced PGC/PBC educators
Our experienced educators help singers build confidence and preparedness for honor choirs, regional and state festivals, and other advanced performance opportunities.
Dr. Margaret Palermo
PGC Artistic Director
Dr. Margaret Palermo brings 24 years of choral teaching and conducting experience to Phoenix Girls Chorus. Her career has included public school choral programs, university ensembles, community choirs, church music, musical theater, and private voice instruction. She recently earned her Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting from the University of Arizona and is passionate about helping young singers discover their voices while developing strong musicianship and a lifelong love of singing.
Herbert Washington
PBC Artistic Director
Mr. Herbert Washington is exceptionally qualified for 1:1 classroom coaching, professional development workshops, and preparing students for musical success due to his diverse and deep experience in choral pedagogy, performance, and leadership. As an alumnus and current Artistic Director of the Phoenix Boys Choir, he possesses a strong foundation in Arizona's choral culture and established teaching methods.
Travis White
PBC Director of Programs & Engagement
Mr. Travis White holds a bachelors degree in Music Education from Northern Arizona University and a masters degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University. Currently serving as Director of Programs for the Phoenix Boys Choir, he specializes in early childhood music education and singing pedagogy. He was named 2020's Westside Impact Teacher of the Year and has adjudicated multiple festivals and clinics around the valley.
