October 29, 2026

Placer High School Choir to Share the Stage with Foreigner

When Placer High School choir teacher Ryan Carr played “I Want to Know What Love Is” in class, most students didn’t immediately recognize the song. But once the chorus began, it sounded familiar.

After the recording ended, Carr shared the reason they were listening: they would soon be singing it onstage with Foreigner.

Twenty-five Placer High choir students will join the band during its October 30 concert at The Venue at Thunder Valley Casino Resort. The invitation came as part of Foreigner’s tradition of welcoming local student musicians to perform during its shows.

For the choir, preparing to perform alongside a professional rock band has meant approaching the music differently. Rather than working from sheet music, students are learning by ear, listening to recordings of the song and individual vocal parts to prepare for their performance.

The opportunity comes during a strong year for choir at Placer. With 37 students, the fall Concert Choir is one of the school’s largest fall choirs in recent years. Spring Chamber Choir enrollment also stands at 37. Throughout the year, the ensembles perform at seasonal concerts and community events and participate in festivals and competitions where their performances are evaluated.

While the concert offers an exciting moment in the spotlight, Carr hopes people also recognize everything that happens before students step onto a stage.

“Most of the time, people only see the final product of all the students’ hard work and dedication and don’t get to see the journey that got them there,” he said.

That journey includes developing musicianship alongside resilience, accountability, and a willingness to grow. It also means building a community where students feel comfortable learning together.

This group holds particular meaning for Carr because it is the first choir he has taught.

“They have been so amazing, welcoming, and supportive of me as their teacher,” he said.

Together, returning and new singers have helped establish a classroom culture that Carr says has allowed students to excel. Seeing them arrive excited for class at the beginning of the school day has been especially rewarding.

Foreigner and Thunder Valley Casino Resort will each donate $500 to Placer High’s music program, providing a combined $1,000 to support initiatives that directly benefit students.

With space for 25 performers at the concert, priority went to returning choir students based on seniority, followed by new members based on grade level. Students interested in joining Placer’s choir community, however, do not need previous singing experience.

“All I ask is that you come with an open mind and a willingness to learn,” Carr said.

Placer students interested in choir can speak with their counselor about adding the class to their schedule. They can also contact Mr. Carr or visit him in the music suite, rooms 114 and 116, to learn more.

Watch our choir on KCRA 3
Placer’s singers had several moments in the spotlight when KCRA 3 visited rehearsal on October 28. Families can catch all the coverage below, including the morning reports, a quick preview and the noon segment.

You can also read KCRA’s story about the choir’s upcoming performance with Foreigner.

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Placer High School Choir to Share the Stage with Foreigner