PLC Sydney teacher nominated for ARIA Music Teacher of the Year

We are thrilled to announce that our beloved music teacher, Casey Allen, has been nominated for the prestigious ARIA Music Teacher of the Year Award.

Casey Allen, PLC Sydney Music Teacher, has been nominated for the prestigious ARIA Music Teacher of the Year Award.

Casey Allen, has been nominated for the prestigious ARIA Music Teacher of the Year Award. This special ARIA Award, launched in partnership with The Song Room in 2017, recognises the incredible contribution of music teachers throughout Australia. It rewards teachers for their hard work, creativity and dedication to their students and wider community. By celebrating our amazing music teachers, it also helps to shine a light on the importance of music to education and student engagement.

For Casey, this recognition comes after 20 remarkable years of dedication and innovation at PLC Sydney, where she has inspired generations of young musicians to explore their passions and develop their talents.

Since joining PLC Sydney in 2004, Casey has worked tirelessly to ensure that music education at our school is not only inclusive but also progressive, catering to students with varying levels of experience and musical interests. Her passion for music and her commitment to fostering a love of creativity in our students has made an indelible impact on the school community.

One of Casey's proudest achievements at PLC Sydney is the development of our expansive choral program. She coordinates eight choirs, directing three herself, engaging more than 280 students across a diverse range of genres. This includes students from our special education integration program, showcasing her commitment to inclusivity.

In 2018, she founded the a cappella group Vocal Synergy to create a space for contemporary performers, like a talented beatboxer, to collaborate and shine. Vocal Synergy continues to thrive, offering a space for students interested in contemporary music to perform together and develop their skills.

Beyond performances, Casey uses music as a tool for positive change. Every year, she organises a fundraising concert that involves both Junior and Senior School choirs, raising funds for charities such as the Breast Cancer Network Australia, International Justice Mission, and Guide Dogs NSW. These events teach students the importance of community connection and the power of their voices in making a difference.

Even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Casey ensured that music thrived at PLC Sydney. From virtual concerts to online masterclasses, her innovative approaches kept students engaged and singing, highlighting her ability to adapt and lead in difficult times.

In addition to her work with choirs, Casey has served as Head of the Music Faculty (Classroom Music) since 2017, leading a passionate team of teachers and overseeing a comprehensive music curriculum from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12. Her vision for the department has fostered a culture where students not only learn the technical aspects of music but also develop a deep appreciation for its role in society.

Her efforts have led to the expansion of the school's Composer-in-Residence program, which brings Australian female composers such as Ella Macens and Natalie Nicolas to mentor students. This program has inspired many students to explore composition beyond their school years, particularly young women who now see a place for themselves in the creative industries.

At the heart of Casey's teaching philosophy is a deep understanding of the emotional and mental well-being benefits that music can provide. In a fast-paced, highly academic environment, she champions music as a vital source of joy, connection, and personal growth. She sees her role as not only nurturing musical talents but also fostering relationships and providing emotional support for her students.

Quoting educator Rita Pierson, Casey believes that “Every child deserves a champion – an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” Over her two decades at PLC Sydney, she has become that champion for countless students, leaving a lasting legacy of care and encouragement.

The entire PLC Sydney community is incredibly proud of Casey and her nomination for the ARIA Music Teacher of the Year Award. Her dedication to music education and her unwavering support for students embody the spirit of excellence and creativity we cherish at our school.

This nomination is not only a celebration of Casey’s incredible career but also a recognition of the countless lives she has touched through her passion for music. We wish her all the best and look forward to the results with great excitement!

Casey is one of four nominees and the award will be presented at the 2024 ARIAS on 20 November.