Foreigner and Placer High Choir students rocked the stage at Thunder Valley

Placer High School choir students participated in a once-in-a-lifetime musical performance when they took the stage alongside legendary rock band Foreigner during its Friday, Oct. 30, performance at Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln. Foreigner's performance was part of the band's 50th anniversary tour, celebrating five decades of music and a catalog of popular rock hits including "Juke Box Hero," "Cold as Ice," "Feels Like the First Time," and "I Want to Know What Love Is." "Foreigner's songs were crafted in a way that seems to stand the test of time," said keyboardist Michael Bluestein. "It's an honor to be a part of Foreigner. It's definitely something I don't take lightly. I'm very proud to keep the legacy of this band going and perform these well loved songs to the best of my ability every night I perform." The students joined the band at The Venue at Thunder Valley Casino and Resort to perform Foreigner's 1984 hit "I Want to Know What Love Is," giving the young singers an opportunity to experience performing alongside internationally recognized musicians in front of a live concert audience. The opportunity came as part of Foreigner's longstanding tradition of inviting local school choirs to join the band onstage, supporting music education and giving students firsthand experience performing in a professional concert setting. "It's a collaboration of something we have been doing with the Music Cares organization and the Grammy Foundation. We have been helping raise money and raise awareness for music and arts programs in schools," Bluestein said "Many people know arts and music programs get cut when there are budget cuts. It's a chance for us to collaborate with these great organizations and give these kids a chance to get on stage and perform and sing in front of live people. It's really a win-win for everybody. We get to give back and raise money for these programs that are endangered." For Placer High School choir teacher Ryan Carr, the invitation was exciting news to share with his students. "Back in spring of the previous school year, the previous music director got an email from someone that works at Thunder Valley that said Foreigner was looking for a choir to perform with them and we were recommended," Carr said. "With me being the new director I was able to make a decision on that, and without a doubt it was a 'Yes let's do it!' It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for the students." Carr introduced the opportunity by playing "I Want to Know What Love Is" during class. After playing the recording, Carr revealed that they would have the opportunity to sing the song alongside Foreigner. Preparing for the performance required students to approach the music differently than a traditional classroom assignment. Rather than relying on sheet music, the singers have been learning their individual vocal parts by ear, listening to recordings of the song and practicing their sections. "We've been using a variety of tools to help us learn the song whether it plays during class, they listen to it on their own time, or I pull up the official lyrics video and karaoke tracks for the song," Carr said, adding, "This is such a unique experience that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives. When the song plays on the radio years from now the students can tell their friends and family members, 'Hey I got to perform with the actual band back when I was in high school." Beyond the live performance, this opportunity also came with financial support for the school's music program. Foreigner contributed $500 to Placer High School to support music education and initiatives that directly benefit students.