Life is better than good for Terrance McQueen, an 18-year-old young man who exudes enthusiasm for life, the Avenue D Boys’ Choir, and fellowship. A recent graduate of Fort Pierce Central High School, he was president of Student Council, recognized by the National Honor Society, and one of 14 winners of the Young Floridian Scholarship. To top it all off, Terrance was chosen by The Gates Millennium Scholars Program as one of 1,000 students to receive a good-through-graduation scholarship to fulfill his dream of becoming of a neurosurgeon. Despite all of Terrance’s achievements, nothing holds a candle to being a member of the Avenue D Boys’ Choir.
“I remember walking into the building, hearing a five part harmony and thinking that it was just perfect,” recalled Terrance of his first in-person impression of the Avenue D Boys’ Choir as an eighth grade student. “The music was on point and I knew that this was the place for me. The sound was just so beautiful.”
The Avenue D Boys’ Choir opened its doors in 2004 as a summer program, backed by funding from the Children’s Services Council of St. Lucie County. At the time, the Fort Pierce community was focused on finding positive afterschool activities for kids who would otherwise be on the streets. The boys’ choir literally pulled young men off the streets to nurture their souls and minds to ensure that they will be the best sons, brothers, friends and students today, and the finest husbands, fathers, colleagues, and leaders in the future. The program was so successful that they added a girls’ choir program in May 2009.
In addition to the typical afterschool components including homework help and mentoring, the choir program also includes an intense, year-round practice schedule, 30 or more performances each year, complimentary transportation for children and meals. The Avenue D Boys’ Choir continues to be free to join because of the continued financial support of the Children’s Services Council of St. Lucie County.
The program also invites community members to come talk to the young men and women about goal setting, peer pressure and the importance of staying on a positive path. Detective Dani Dreizehnter of the Fort Pierce Police Department has been a mentor for the choirs since 2004. “I have been with the choirs through good times, as well as challenging times. I've seen kids dragged to the choir by parents and guardians, hating every minute and then watched them develop a love for singing. But even more importantly than the music, I've seen youth develop manners, respect, a positive attitude and a desire for education and success in their lives,” said Dreizehnter.
Terrance joined the Avenue D Boys’ Choir in 2009 along with his twin brother Torrance and younger brother, Terry. The brothers joined the group as skilled musicians proficient in playing the drums and keyboard, but were required to learn how to sing as part of the choir before adding their musical instrument skills to the mix. Since joining the choir, they have performed at Governor Rick Scott’s inauguration, for various celebrities such as rapper and minister Run DMC and Clarence Clemons, at weddings, memorial services, house warming parties and more.
“The Avenue D Boys’ Choir is my favorite place to be. It’s all about making lifelong friendships. I am able to go and meet people who love the same things as I do and to renew my passion for music,” explained Terrance. “This is a place of positivity. The staff and choir members push you to succeed regardless of circumstance or life situation. We’re a family.”
Without the Avenue D Boys’ Choir and the unconditional support of his parents, Terry and Actavis McQueen, Sr., Terrance might not be the successful young man that he is today.
“I don’t know quite where I would be if I hadn’t joined the Avenue D Boys’ Choir, but I do know it was one of the best decisions of my life and I thank my parents for pushing me to join. This program has led to so many wonderful opportunities. People here believed in me even when I didn’t. I had faith that I would be successful, but to have a group know that you can do so much more is amazing. It was incredible to receive the scholarships, become a preacher, and be asked to be the keynote speaker to graduating classes. I didn’t know if I could achieve all of those things, but the support of the Avenue D Boys’ Choir made me try and have faith in my abilities.”
Detective Dreizehnter agrees. “When you take a young man like Terrance, who already came with a good outlook and a great head on his shoulder, it rubs off on the other kids. Whether he knows it or not, Terrance is an outstanding role model to youth who may be floundering with bad decisions and life choices,” she says. “Knowing what I know about the Avenue D Choirs, there is no doubt in my mind that Terrance is just the first of several other young people from the choir who will go on to huge success.”
The Avenue D Boys’ Choir inspired Terrance to reach for his dreams. “If you love to sing or dance or just want some positivity in your life, join the Avenue D Boys’ Choir. It is open to boys and girls of all backgrounds. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. You just might find a second home, extended family, and discover who you can and will become if you try.”
