Redbank Plains State High School’s first ever Polynesian Boys’ Choir is a raging success serving the community with their music. The group is made up of young men from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The choir was originally organized for a "one-off" school performance of the Church Primary song "We'll Bring the World His Truth."
But it didn't stop there. Choir members have performed over 50 times since it's inception in March 2014.
The Polynesian Boy's Choir has performed at numerous community events including the Mayor's Anzac Day Ceremony, attracting a crowd of 3,000.
The choir has performed at university and college graduations, for the Assistant Commissioner's Queensland Police Award Recognition Ceremony, civic groups, the elderly, kindergarten centres, businesses, hospitals and schools.
It sang the national anthem and other tunes for 120 new Australian Citizens receiving their citizenship certificates at the Mayor Paul Pissale Ipswich City Council Australian Day Citizenship Ceremony.
The idea of forming a choir began as a way to keep the boys in school, and it has worked. Choir members have achieved and excelled in academics, personal behaviour and attendance.
They earned prestigious academic awards at their school's 2015 Academic Award Ceremony. Additionally, the choir earned the Gold-Community & School Service Award, reaching over 150 hours of service.
Being in the choir has also helped its members be better prepared to meet the future with further education and jobs. It has also helped them grow spiritually.
"The Lord truly inspired me to help these ‘struggling warriors’ by organizing this choir and knowing what songs they needed to sing," said Lucy Salanoa, choir coordinator.
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Salano calls her singers ministering angels unto others, who along the way unexpectedly experienced a change in their own hearts. It has led them to be converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
She says they are examples of the teachings of Jesus Christ at school and in the wider community. They have learned His teachings at home, at church and at choir practice.
Performances and daily practices begin with prayer and a spiritual thought, and always end with prayer. “We hug each other before we leave practice, reminding each other to choose the right (CTR) and to pray always,” said Elijah Logo who is one of the choir leaders.
The changes the choir members have experienced in their lives are preparing them to serve two years as missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the near future.
While serving they will continue to do for others what they did for one of their own.
Hokianga Taniwha joined the Church as a result of the influence of his friends in the choir.
“We just love being together as brothers and with our Mum Lucy," he said. "Spreading the gospel through music has given us so much love and joy for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
"The best part is seeing how people react, especially those not of our faith and how it blesses their lives. That is why I joined the church, I felt a belonging to a big happy loving family - God's family, through the choir brothers.”