“I would teach children music, physics and philosophy; but most importantly music, for in the patterns of music and all the arts are the keys of learning.” – Plato

Pearl River Central High School show choir instructor Debbie Wolfe said that music is important and has the potential to change students’ lives.
Wolfe has been the school’s show choir director for the past eight years and said that more than 50 of her students have gone on to attend two and four-year colleges on music scholarships.
“Music is important because it engages both sides of the brain,” Wolfe said. “Instrumental utilizes one side, while vocals utilize the other. It’s great for learning. Music students generally perform higher academically.”
Central Attraction is comprised of 32 ninth though twelfth graders. The show choir, which was established nine years ago, has competed for the past eight years, Wolfe said.
The group competes at South Jones, West Jones, Jackson Prep, Pearl River Community College, Purvis, Petal and in Opelika, Alabama, Homewood, Alabama, Enterprise, Alabama and Nashville, Tennessee.
This year, Wolfe said, the group placed in the top three and qualified for the finals at the first three competitions.
Saturday, the group competed in Homewood, Alabama, where they placed first in their division and earned best vocals, best choreography and best overall effect.
The group performs an 18-minute, six song program during competitions, Wolfe said. At most competitions, there is a 25-minute time limit, which includes stage setup, costumes and breakdown. They are judged on vocals, visual and show design.
Locally, Central Attraction performs at the PRCC chorale festival and performs a church tour, where they perform concerts featuring spiritual and contemporary Christian music.
On April 25, the group will perform at the PRCC Brownstone Center at 6 p.m. They also have been asked to sing at the superintendent’s banquet, Wolfe said.
The group performs and is exposed to a wide variety of music including pop, Broadway and concert styles of music.
Show choir captain and senior Abby Unbehagen has been a member of the choir for seven years and said that music is a family tradition.
“I grew up listening to all types of musicals, theater and genres of music,” Unbehagen said. “Performing in show choir is better than anything in the world. Our music program helps us be more responsible with regards to competition and our other subjects. Our group portrays an image of being well rounded and we try our hardest in everything we do.”
Junior Hunter King began singing in the third grade.
“When I saw the high school choir perform, I knew I wanted to join and I was born to do this,” King said. “I like to sing jazz, and rhythm and blues music. Show choir is a great way to meet people with common interests and multiple talents.”
Makenzie Griffing is a senior and said performing is a great stress reliever for her.
“It keeps my mind off of all the things that I worry about,” Griffing said. “Performing at competitions is my favorite part. It’s great to meet other people with whom you can talk to and support. “
Junior Dylan Ingram is a lifelong baseball player, however two years ago he decided to give show choir a chance.
“My friend was always trying to get me involved,” Ingram said. “I was the guy that thought show choir was girlie. But, once I saw the choir perform, I fell in love with it. When I’m performing, I can be myself.”
Wolfe said her show choir’s booster club is outstanding.
“They are awesome and this program would not function without them,” Wolfe said. “They donate use of their trailers, assist with backstage set up, unload equipment, construct our backdrops and make costumes.”
Wolfe said her students are like her adopted children.
“I’m their mom at not only competitions, but also during school days,” Wolfe said. “They bring much joy to my heart. Some come to my class without the passion, but leave with a passion for performing and singing. I love that I can share my passions with them.”