Peak Performance School College & Youth Pathway Programme

Peak Performance is a unique sustainable pathway and/or progression for young people making the transition from the classroom to the workplace, and is the brainchild of several education and private sector professionals.

Based on two very successful pilot schemes, one at Newham College, implemented and facilitated by Dr Mark Walcotts, and the other situated at Hackney's Bsix Sixth Form College, designed by Miss L. Emmanuel of Lou Industries SEN (Special Educational Needs) and Everis Pellius, which ran successfully for over two years, and yes, you guessed it, the programme was terminated due to lack of funding, hence the birth of Peak Performance.

The Lead tutor and co-author for our first programme, is Mr Everis Pellius Cert Ed. He has worked in the music industry for many years, well known for his work and releases as a UK Street Soul artiste and producer during the 90’s, and as a vocal coach to many well-known artistes such as Fuse ODG, Peter Andre, Soul to Soul and many others during that period till the present time. With a strong background in education, as a fully qualified lecturer and assessor, developing and delivering music education programmes to many, disadvantaged young people, youth groups, schools and colleges in the Greater London area, as well as lecturing level 2 & 3 music, music tech and performance qualifications, (Biography, filmography, and CV available on request).

As a qualified lecturer and assessor, with well over 25 years of experience, he was the Music co-ordinator for LB Haringey Pupil Support Centre (formerly the P R U) from 2001-2005, and presently working with BTEC National Diploma Music/Music Technology and performance students at various Sixth Form Colleges, and has also worked with the National Youth Music Theatre Company as Musical Director. He has delivered numerous music / music therapy courses and workshops in musical theatre for Theatre Royal Stratford East - as well as residences in PRU’s for LB Greenwich, LB Ealing, LB Haringey, RB of Kensington & Chelsea, LB Hounslow, LB Enfield and London Borough of Hackney as well as schools and colleges.

From the feedback and suggestions of tutors, heads of department, and other teaching professionals to design a course, the inspiration came to develop a programme that will aid young people advance in their primary interests, or what some would consider a hobby, into a sustainable career that will be, both fruitful and beneficial to all those concerned.

Most level two and level three (GCSE's and A2's or 'O' levels) vocational qualifications are just that, qualifications, and are created to give the student a very small insight into what may be expected of them if they were to follow a career path into that particular subject, topic or industry.

We at Peak Performance have come to realise, unless learners have facilitators, lecturers or teachers who presently work in the industry they teach, the students may well achieve their qualifications, but have no real understanding of the industry they wish to work in, or what is truly expected of them if they were to be successful enough to obtain work in that industry.

We conducted an experiment in late 2016, asking a few members of senior management teams to write a list of skills they felt essential to their profession, that a learner should be equipped with before applying for a junior position at one of their companies. In comparing their lists with those of the corresponding level two and three qualifications, there was an enormous difference in the requirements, for passing either the qualification or the job interview, this led us to first research and then develop this programme, to help give young learners a fighting chance, on deciding and pursuing their chosen career path.

The programme created addresses most of the attributes, elements, plus the practical, vocational and academic skills needed by the learner to forge a successful, long lasting career in their chosen vocational profession.

There are well over five hundred secondary schools and colleges combined in the greater London area, and with government cutbacks such as they are, most of our young people are being robbed of the education, which we're paying for, and they have a right to.

The Peak Performance programme, without government backing will only be able to reach some, but not all young people in these learning establishments. That is why we have created this page appealing to the parents in you, asking for donations to this worthy cause of securing the future for tomorrow's innovators and workforce.

The funds raised, will allow us to facilitate our Peak Performance Programmes for the new academic year, September 2018, in as many school locations as permitted. The programme will focus on the chosen vocational career path, in this case 'The Music industry', examining the many elements within the industry, and how the learner can procure work, develop a freelance career, become a jobbing performer, music business administrator, technical operative, logistic specialist, legal assistant, plus the many other existing career paths available to the next generation of music industry professionals.

With our experiential learning music industry workshops, learners will be given practical approaches in transferring skills, basic work ethics, music industry protocols, professional communication skills, basic but solid music industry understanding, talks from industry professionals such as; record and publishing company execs, digital media industry relationships, explanation packs plus lots more.

By the end of the programme, learners will not only have an insight, but a much clearer view of how they wish to proceed in their chosen career, and have the practical knowledge to do so with confidence and without hesitation.

We already have the support of several music industry professionals, past and current students, as well as educationalists, teachers, lecturers and assessors alike at various levels, so join us in creating a better future for our children.

We can't do this alone WE NEED YOUR HELP!!! We would like to visit as many learning establishments as funds will allow, we need to raise at least £15,000 to roll out the programme to about 100 learning establishments in the Greater London area, and if we could raise £30,000 that would allow us to visit another 150 more, taking the number to 250 locations in total.

As mentioned before we shall commence with 'The Music Industry' and then explore other professions, such as, 'Office Administration', 'Hair And Beauty', Digital Media & Marketing', and 'Health And Social Care' etc as a few early options, suggestions welcome.

We graciously, humbly and respectfully ask you to back our campaign, and help today's youth become tomorrow's leaders. We take this opportunity to "THANK YOU" in advance for your assistance and donations.

Be well. Stay safe. God Bless You!

Testimonials from some of our former students:

Rory Sky: Singer/Songwriter, Producer and Dance Teacher

Everis is a God send, he truly changed my life. His understanding of the vocal chords and how the voice works is impeccable. I was misdiagnosed twice by the doctors and after almost 2 years of speech therapy. The hospital signed me off saying there was nothing they could do. As you can imagine I was devastated, I just wanted to sing. I attended one of Everis voice sessions just by chance in a music college just see what they did. I couldn't take part in the session as I knew my voice wasn't working but had to Introduce myself anyway as I opened my mouth Everis told me to sit down, he heard there was a problem straight away.

Everis spoke to me after the session and gave me good advice. He told me to get another referral to a different hospital. After a long day of seeing four surgeons they found the problem and operated on both of my vocal chords. It's been a long journey but I now feel confident when I sing and even have my music on the radio now. If it wasn't for Everis and the vocal advice, support and training he offered me before and after my voice operation. I don't know what I'd be doing. He is the best vocal coach, teacher and music professional I have met to date.

Artist - Rory Sky

Tunay Jenas: Live Events Promotor

When I was in Bsix college Everis was a vocal coach and he taught me so much, not only about singing, but the music industry on a whole. I learnt about different singing methods such as Vibrato, model and falsetto as well as how to control my voice and how to control my breathing before performing. He volunteered and didn't get paid for this. This just showed me how dedicated he was and how much he loved teaching. He was an amazing teacher and has taught me several things that I use in my every day work as a music promoter today, thank you Everis.

Denise Harris: Studying BSc in Early Childhood Development

Everis is a great vocal teacher and music specialist, he is very enthusiastic and knows how to get along with students. As a lecturer Everis would always find a solution to your problems either through personal or vocally giving you great advice based on his knowledge and experience.

Alicia Wynt: Studied BSc (Hons) in Economics and MSc in Finance

Mr Pellius was a very knowledgeable tutor, whose students benefited from his years of experience in the music industry, both on and off stage. His tuition was well executed and was clear for pupils to understand. Always engaging, patient and encouraging, Mr Pellius's course was helpful for all his students.

Kevin Douglas: Singer/Songwriter & Producer

Everis is an excellent teacher. Every lesson raised the bar with my confidence as a performer and vocal lessons I understood my vocals differently. Understood how to make use of the stage as a performer and work the crowd.

Kaadine Hughs: Studied BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences

I came to know Everis whilst attending Brooke House Six Form College, he came to volunteer as a vocal coach and performing arts lecturer. He set up workshops after college to aid students with their creative pursuits. He has been a great teacher and mentor, very organised and really approachable. I'd love to work with him again in the future.

Noir Felix: Studying BA in Music Technology

Everis was one the teachers that you’ll always remember. He made learning how to sing like it was nothing and I believe that to be a beautiful thing in a lecturer. He was stern when needed to be but that’s the father figure in him. He also made it easy seeing how we came from the same sort of background. I remember entering a class and heard French spoken from him. It was stuff like that suprised me but intrigued me as well. I’m glad to know Everis. In all fairness you’ve been one the mentors that have actually made an impact on my life and think all the guys will agree as much as they wouldn’t want to admit that to you, but I know because I’ve asked them.