A Choral Society Built on Community and Connection
Founded
2021
Status
501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Location
Prince George’s County, MD
Focus
Performance, Education, Community
About PGCCS
The Prince George’s County Choral Society (PGCCS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening and uniting the diverse communities of Prince George’s County through the art of choral singing.
We bring together singers of all backgrounds to create meaningful musical experiences that inspire, educate, and connect our community.
Our Story
Our journey and beginnings
The Beginning (2021)
PGCCS was founded by Shantal Russell during the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, inspired by a desire to reconnect people through music.
Building the Community
Founding members — all alumni of Suitland High School’s Visual and Performing Arts Program — came together to create a space for professional and non-professional singers to serve the community through music and philanthropy.
Growing Through Performance
Early performances were held at the Memorial Chapel at UMD, followed by rehearsals and concerts at Creative Suitland.
A New Home at Bowie State (2023–Present)
Through collaboration with community and academic partners, PGCCS established rehearsals and performances at Bowie State University, where the choir continues to grow today.
Our Mission
To strengthen and unite the diverse communities of Prince George’s County through the art of choral singing, while supporting philanthropic and educational initiatives through collaboration with music professionals and community leaders.
Meet The Team
The people who guide our mission
SHANTEL RUSSEL
FOUNDER
BIO
Shantal Russell currently serves as the Vocal Music Teacher at The Children’s Guild DC PCS. She has been a part of TCGDC team since 2016. Shantal graduated from Suitland High School Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) Program in 2010 with a focus in classical training and vocal performance. After high school, Shantal attended the University of Hartford in Connecticut. She obtained her BA in Vocal Performance from the Hartt School of Music in Hartford, Connecticut in December 2014. In her spare time, Shantal enjoys singing anytime she can. In 2014, she put out a series of R&B songs turned Gospel, called “Let’s Switch.” She also released her own single on iTunes, “Prince Charming.” A huge dream of hers is to write and perform a song for Disney. In addition to her own music, she has sung background vocals for well-known Gospel artist J.J. Hairston and a host of others.
CONTACT
Ocie Banks
ARTIST DIRECTOR
BIO
Recently named a 2026 “50+ Music Teachers Who Make a Difference” by SBO+ Magazine, Ocie S. Banks is a conductor, educator, and arts leader dedicated to cultivating musical excellence and expressive artistry in singers of all ages. He currently serves as Director of Vocal Music at Thomas G. Pullen K–8 Creative & Performing Arts School in Prince George’s County Public Schools, where choirs under his direction consistently earn superior ratings and recognition for artistic achievement. He also contributes to district wide curriculum development as a lead curriculum writer for the PGCPS Vocal & General Music Office. Beginning in Fall 2026, Banks will begin his tenure as the newly appointed Artistic Director of the Prince George’s County Choral Society.
Banks holds a Bachelor of Music Education from George Mason University and both a Master of Music and Certificate in Advanced Graduate Studies in Choral Conducting from Messiah University. He currently serves as President of the Maryland/DC Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association, Member-at-Large for the Maryland Choral Educators Association, and Eastern Region Representative on the NAfME Council for Choral Education.
Banks is the CEO of OSB Music Group, LLC and remains active as a choral and vocal clinician, adjudicator, guest conductor, and worship leader, promoting choral excellence and transformative musical experiences at all levels. To learn more about Ocie, visit ociesbanks.com.
CONTACT
Taalibah Muhammad
SECRETARY
BIO
Taalibah is a passionate vocalist, songwriter, and seasoned administrative professional with
over 10 years of office administration experience. As a Project Support Specialist for Goddard scientists, she honed her skills in meeting coordination, agenda setting, task management, and event planning, ensuring that projects ran smoothly and efficiently. Now, she brings that same level of dedication and organization to PGCCS. A classically trained singer, Taalibah holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Cleveland State University and is an alumna of Suitland High School’s Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) Program, Class of 2011, where she focused on classical training and vocal performance. Seeing other Suitland alumni in the choir instantly drew her in, igniting her passion for choral singing, post-college, and the shared musical experience that brings the choir
together.
As Secretary, Taalibah is committed to scheduling and running meetings, making choir
announcements, creating performance flyers, and keeping members informed with reminders, deadlines, and time management updates. She will also be responsible for creating the Fall 2025 meeting schedule and hosting the choir’s Recital Nights twice a year. Beyond her administrative role, Taalibah is an R&B singer-songwriter, blending her love for
contemporary R&B/Soul and classical music. She believes that participating in this type of choir is essential for maintaining her high-functioning vocal versatility, keeping her voice strong and agile across genres. Whether she’s organizing behind the scenes or harmonizing with fellow members, she’s excited to contribute to the choir’s success and growth.
CONTACT
Aleah “Gabs” Walker
EVENT COORDINATOR
BIO
PG County native, Gabs Walker is a multidisciplinary artist. Their love of music began at a very young age and continues to be an integral part of their life. Finding a community choir to call home in their adult life was incredibly important to them.
Gabs completed a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance at Charleston Southern University in 2022. A versatile musician — Gabs performed both as an alto and a soprano throughout their matured vocal career, though the latter is where most of their talent is concentrated. Gabs has performed with an array of full and partial orchestras, several university and church choirs, as well as various musical theatre productions as a choir member and a soloist. They most recently performed with the PGCCS in “Lift Every Voice Toward the Light” at Carnegie Hall.
Gabs is incredibly excited to join the PGCCS board this season as the coordinator. They hope to use their talents to help the choir internally and positively impact the community. Gabs’ motto is “Stay Curious, Create Freely” and PGCCS helps them and those around them do just that.
CONTACT
ANTHONY DAVIS
MEDIA MANAGER
BIO
CONTACT
TRE'VON BRAY
BIO
CONTACT
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