SWC

Varsity Treble Choir

Kathryn Zetterstrom, Director | Jane Schmidt, Piano 2:40pm

GELOBET SEI GOTT.......................................................…Tim

Sarsany

Gelobet sei Gott was arranged by Tim Sarsany for an acapella SSAA choir. Dr. Sarsany writes a wide variety of music, including both sacred and secular compositions. Gelobet sei Gott premiered at the 2018 World Choir Games in Tshwane, South Africa. The text is derived from Ephesians 1:3, which was translated from Latin to German by Martin Luther in 1522. It begins the concert with a jubilant proclamation and a fervent expression of praise and gratitude towards God. Gelobet sei Gott has a rich musical score featuring contrasting sections predominantly in a call-and-answer format. This song opens with energy and vibrancy, characterized by percussive diction and polyphonies, followed by a serene, pensive interlude. The tempo then accelerates to create a triumphant conclusion, leaving the audience in awe.

Text

Gelobet sei Gott und der Vater unsers

Translation

Blessed be the God and Father Herrn Jesu Christi, of our Lord Jesus Christ, der uns gesegnet hat mit allerlei who has blessed us with geistlichem Segen all spiritual blessings in himmlischem Gütern in heavenly places durch Christum. in Christ.

Ephesians 1:3

KJV Luther Bibel 1545

Program notes by sophomore Allegra Lisonbee Please Hold Applause

BY NIGHT............................................................….Elaine

Hagenberg

Candi Ice (LFC orchestra), violin; Cooper Christenson (AHS alumnus), cell; Cara Wildman, bodhrán; Miles Locke (AHS Director of Percussion), and Brian McKinney (AHS choir, retired), percussion

Composed in 2022, by Elaine Hagenberg, By Night, is a beautiful representation of a young woman on her own journey into, as Hagenberg states, a “beautiful new world”. The text, which comes from author Harriet Prescott Spofford in 1897, is engaging and personal in its storytelling. This, paired with Hagenberg’s arrangement of the text and composition of the music, invites the audience into the story themselves. Hagenberg elegantly represents the beauty of the text through smooth, legato moments, as well as more percussive and energized moments. Through its varied note lengths, dynamics, and tempos, By Night allows for great musicality that is majestic to the ear.

Program notes by junior Madelyn Zudekoff

Please Hold Applause

O

PULSE OF MY HEART (A CHUISLE MO CHROI).............Karen Marrolli

Rylee Polk, soloist; Mrs. Ice, violin

“A Chuisle Mo Chroí” - ‘O pulse of my heart’ is a heartfelt affirmation of love crafted by composer Karen Marrolli as a homage to traditional Irish love ballads. With this composition, Ma rrolli skillfully intertwines elements of Irish musical heritage, creating a ringing Gaelic quality in the piece. The repetition of the gentle phrase, “A Chuisle Mo Chroí”, curates a constant heartbeat shared by people and the promises of love one gives in brief moments. Everyone is blessed with these deep, everlasting connections on this earth, and Marrolli’s score stands as a meaningful reminder of this love we all share.

A Chuisle Mo Chroí; Is tu mo ghra O pulse of my heart; I love you

Fair boy, your eyes, they haunt my soul

As the moon haunts the night. The stars all fall at the sound of your voice.

The mountains sigh at your sight.

No flame can rival the fire of my love, No canyon was ever so deep.

My soul sings your song through endless night; Your voice, it haunts my sleep.

No rose is so sweet, no meadow so fair, No star is more radiant above.

Until death lay me down beneath your shade, You always shall be my love.

Fair boy, your eyes, they haunt my soul: A ghost that never shall part.

I wander in starlight, awaiting your call, O pulse of my heart.

Program notes by sophomore Dakshata Sathiya Narayana

HODIE CHRISTUS NATUS EST........................................Richard Nance

Ava Loter, Gabrielle Magee, Gabrielle Faulkner, and Demi McQuarters, soloists

Hodie Christus natus est - “today Christ is born,” a joyful cry on earth to the heavens in rejoice of the Savior’s birth ringing in the ears of listeners. What holy love over a young boy into life, something that has granted us renewed strength to revive our sound. A spirit from above sparks a fire within us in our musical journey - one with trust, companionship, and ethics. Richard Nance carefully wove together this acapella piece for double women’s chorus to be both remarkably challenging and enlightening, both beautiful and sacred as we sing together in triumphant peace. Hear the exclamations, anticipate the echoes, and prepare for a captivating performance to the audience, a song that will be heard around the world in His love!

Hodie Christus natus est; Noe, noe! Today Christ is born; Noel!

Hodie Salvator apparuit; Noe, noe!

Hodie in terra canunt angeli.

Laetantur Archangeli. Alleluia!

Today the Saviour has appeared; Noel!

Today the angels sing on earth.

The archangels rejoice. Alleluia!

Hodie exultant justi dicentes; Alleluia! Today the righteous rejoice, saying;Alleluia!

Gloria in excelsis Deo; Noe, noe!

Program

Glory to God in the highest; Noel!

notes by junior Qichen Chang Please Hold Applause

LET ME LISTEN.................................................................Dan Forrest

Fernand Vera, guitar

Let Me Listen was composed by Dan Forrest to illustrate the significance of listening to one another in this diverse world. The text was by Charles Anthony Silvestri. The music portrays that too often, when we are faced with a difference, we tend to explain away people’s experiences instead of trying to understand them; we are so focused on ourselves that we only talk about our own viewpoints and don’t care to listen to the voices we most need to hear. The world is a diverse place where every single person comes from different backgrounds–culturally, economically, historically, and more. In this world, in order to create a beautiful harmony, we need to listen to one another. The music especially emphasizes the importance of listening to friends of color, to those who have been marginalized or mistreated, not heard or believed. As we listen to one another, we embrace our differences and empathize with one another. As we listen to one another, we create our most beautifully harmonious community.

Program notes by senior Sharon Cho

CHILDREN, GO WHERE I SEND THEE......................arr. Kevin Johnson

Children Go Where I Send Thee arr. Dr. Kevin Johnson, Rap Crafted by Ayana Davis. Sumaiya Wilson, rapper; Sydney Williams, ASL interpreter; Peyton Tomlin, soloist; George Cornelius (AHS Music Theory); Mr. Locke, and Miss Wildman, djembes; Trenton Davis (AHS Choir), piano; Brandi Knight (AHS/LFC Choir), shaker; Mr. McKinney, bass guitar

Children Go Where I Send thee is an African American spiritual, thus its date of origin is unknown and can only roughly be narrowed down to some time in the 19th century. This particular arrangement of Children Go Where I Send Thee was first performed at the 2019 Spelman College Glee Club Christmas Carol. It’s since taken the choral world by storm for its extremely catchy rhythms, rap solo segment, traditional gospel solo near the end of piece, and use of body percussion and movement that keeps both the audience and choir engaged and having fun. This more contemporary rearrangement of spirituals is something Dr. Johnson has advocated strongly for and has done with many different spirituals over time. The piece was chosen as the closer for our program because, at the end of the day, we sing for the fun of it, and this piece is the embodiment of everything fun about choir.

Program notes by senior Gabrielle Magee

(Left to right): Roanah Abeleda, Lillie Byrd, Isabella Berry, Savannah Angell, Ashlyn Adler, Chloe Bobo, Wendy Argueta, Esther Abiog, Katelynn Buford

(Left to right): Qichen Chang, Minhanh Do, Nicole Cada, Shalini Dhanesha, Dagny Christakos, Yeonjin Cho, Ye Seo Choi, Ariyana Castro, Ruby Cisneros

(Left to right): Gabrielle Faulkner, Samantha Garcia, Grace

Heidenreich, Natalie Fecht, Victoria Guillaume, Shreya George, Ashley Francis, Ansley Gunter

Not pictured: Sydney Eoff

(Left to right): Joanne Jeong, Marjaan Kamal, Ishanvi Iyer, Keira Keney, Christina Jansen, Avery Henderson, Hannah Horton, Kylia Kang

Not pictured: Merin Joseph

(Left to right): Allegra Lisonbee, Berranur Kucuk, Jolie Le,Berrak Kucuk, Mikelle Lee, Avery Kinkel, Audrey Li, Shekinah Kusel

Not pictured: Mackenzie Konen

(Left to right): Hawi Michael,Ava Loter, Audra Miller, Gabrielle Magee, Eden McDonald, Saanvi Manohar, Laniakea Medrano, Demi McQuarters

Not pictured: Karen Lopez

(Left to right): Linh Nguyen, Navya Puppala, Claire Moe, Zarah Patwa, Presley Moore, Sophia Moore, Katie Pietruszka, Kaelani Ng, Rylee Polk, Faith Moore

(Left to right): Natalie Shafer, Manasi Shah, Lea Song, Tara Reddy, Laila Saithu, Peyton Shewmaker, Willow Sullivan, Diana Sanford, Dakshata Sathiya Narayanan, Sydney Richardson

(Left to right): Sophia Zhang, Sumaiya Wilson, Caleigh Thorpe, Peyton Tomlin, Avery Widmer, Madelyn Zudekoff, Angelina Wang, Jessie Wang, Sydney Williams

Not pictured: Rim Yohannes

DIRECTORS

KATHRYN ZETTERSTROM

Kathryn Zetterstrom began her teaching career in the Lubbock Independent School District teaching at Coronado High School. She later served as the head director at both Monterey High School and Lubbock High School and really learned how to teach when she taught for five years at Irons Middle School. She has taught for twenty-three years—twelve of which have been as one of four directors (and friends) who teach approximately 450 choir students at Allen High School. She received both her BM(Ed) as well as her MM (performance) degree in Conducting from Texas Tech University and her Educational Administration certification from Lubbock Christian University. While at Tech she studied conducting under Dr. Ken Davis, piano performance with Steven Glaser, and voice with Sue Arnold. She currently serves as TMEA Region 25 Vice-President, Vice-President of the Ken Davis Chorale and she stays busy as a choral clinician, adjudicator, and accompanist–most recently serving as accompanist for the Kentucky All-State Tenor/Bass Chorus. Her Varsity Treble Choir most recently performed as an invited choir in 2023 at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention in San Antonio and is honored to perform today, here at the Southwest Division of the American Choral Directors Association convention. Kathryn is a member of the Texas Music Adjudicators Association, Texas Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, and Texas Choral Directors Association. Kathryn also holds a position as the Director of Music Ministries at Prosper United Methodist Church and is mom to her favorite people: Henrik and Espen, as well as daughter-in-law extraordinaire (and Conroe ISD choir director) Kameryn.

TRENTON DAVIS

Trenton Davis is in his twelfth year of teaching and his second month as the Director of Choirs for Allen High School.. Prior to joining the Allen Independent School District, Davis taught nine years in the Midland and Ector County Independent School Districts. While in West Texas, Davis was selected as a Midland Magazine “Top 20 under 40 Young Professionals”, a two-time recipient of the “Teacher in Excellence Award for Fine Arts”, and “Recognized Alumnus” from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin for Exceptional Professional Achievement in Music Education. In 2019, Davis conducted the Lee High School Varsity Women as an Invited Choir at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention. Davis regularly adjudicates for UIL, TMEA, and works frequently as a guest clinician with choirs throughout the state. Davis holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Texas Tech University. Davis is a proud member of TMEA, TCDA, TMAA, and ACDA. Trenton is married to his best friend, Kaitlin Davis, and together with their daughter Clara and dachshund, Sadie, reside in Allen.

BRANDI KNIGHT

Brandi Knight is in her fifth year as a music educator. For five years she has been the associate choir director at Allen High School and Lowery Freshman Center where her choirs have consistently earned sweepstakes at UIL. Brandi holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of North Texas. While attending UNT, she studied under the direction of Dr. Alan McClung, Dr. Allen Hightower and Dr. Richard Sparks. Prior to attending UNT, she attended Collin College for two years. Brandi resides in Allen with her husband Danny Knight, who is the choir director at Plano East Senior High School. They have four beautiful children: Carley, Brayden, Ellie, and Andrew. In addition to teaching, Brandi performs throughout the year with Dr. Greg Hobbs and the Highland Park Chorale.

COLLABORATIVE PIANIST

JANE SCHMIDT

Jane Schmidt is a highly sought after accompanist throughout North Texas for choral groups, voice studios, soloists and instrumentalists. Ms. Schmidt is the organist at St. James Episcopal Church, Dallas and she maintains a private music studio in her home. She has performed concerts in the U.S., England, Spain and Wales. A native of Illinois, Jane Schmidt earned the Master of Music degree in Organ Performance from Southern Methodist University and Bachelor of Music degrees in Organ Performance and Music Theory/Composition from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. Ms. Schmidt completed post-graduate study of early Spanish music at the Conservatory of Music in Barcelona, Spain. Ms. Schmidt holds professional membership with the American Guild of Organists and the Texas Music Educators Association.

AHS VOICE FACULTY

JENIFER CHRISTMAN

Jenifer Christman has been teaching high school and middle school students how to sing and perform for 40 years. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Stephen F. Austin State University, and Master of Music in conducting, voice, and music history from Sam Houston State University. At SHSU, she studied with Dr. B.R. Henson and, in her second year, was also an Associate Instructor. After graduation, she served as the Director of the Wylie High School Choral Department for nine years, switching to private voice instruction in 1992. After more than a decade as the primary voice teacher at Pearce High School in Richardson, Ms. Christman made the move to Allen, teaching singers at Allen High School, Lowery Freshman Center, and each of the three middle schools in Allen for the past 19 years.

WOODY CHRISTMAN

Woody Christman was the choir director at J. J. Pearce High School in the Richardson ISD for thirty-three years and retired in 2005. He received his Bachelor and Master degrees of Music Education both from the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. Woody has been an adjudicator for UIL Contests throughout Texas. He is a member of TEA, TMAA, TCDA and RTA. Woody is currently teaching private voice in the Allen ISD. He is married to Jenifer Christman who also teaches private voice in the Allen ISD.

MERRILYN EDER

Merrilyn Eder is a seasoned choral conductor and music educator, bringing over 35 years of rich experience to her teaching journey. She earned her Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Central Oklahoma and holds a Master of Music Education with a focus on choral conducting from the University of Oklahoma. Mrs. Eder’s impactful career in music education includes serving as a choral director at both middle school and high school levels, and as an elementary music specialist. She began teaching private voice lessons in the Dallas area in 2015. Currently, she imparts her wealth of knowledge and passion for music to students in the Dallas area, including Allen High School and Lowery Freshman Center in Allen Independent School District. Mrs. Eder’s dedication to her students is evident in the remarkable success in All-Region Choir Auditions, All-State Choir Auditions, and Solo Festivals. Through her teaching, Mrs. Eder continues to inspire and shape young artists.

NICOLE SILVA

Nicole Silva, Brazilian-American coloratura soprano is a graduate of the University of North Texas with Bachelor of Music degrees in vocal performance and music education. She later furthered her artistic and pedagogical training at Sankt Goar International Music Festival and Academy and HfM Darstellende Kunst in Frankfurt, Germany. She has performed roles in opera scenes for the UNT Opera: Despina (Così fan tutte), Zerlina (Don Giovanni), and Susanna (Le Nozze di Figaro). Other additional and acclaimed roles include Queen of the Night ( The Magic Flute) for Lyric Opera Weimar, Morgana (Alcina) for Comet Opera Dallas, and Zerbinetta (Ariadne auf Naxos) for Trentino Music Festival. She is currently active as a freelance singer, vocal coach and piano accompanist in the Dallas metroplex.

PATRICIA VIGIL

Patricia Vigil, DMA has sung with Opera Company of Philadelphia, Intermountain Opera, The New Sigmund Romberg Orchestra, Asheville Lyric Opera, Concert Opera of New Jersey, Ridge Light Opera, Atlantic Coast Opera Festival, Lancaster Opera Company, Utah Festival Opera, Opera Delaware, Baton Rouge Opera, Opera Iowa, Des Moines Metro Opera, Sarasota Opera, Opera Southwest, Cleveland Opera on Tour, and Opera Theater of Philadelphia. Her roles include: Gilda in Rigoletto, Norina in Don Pasquale, Susanna and Barbarina in Le nozze di Figaro, Olympia in Les Contes d’Hoffmann, Fire in L’énfant et les Sortileges, Oscar in Un Ballo in Maschera, Madame Goldentrill and Miss Silverpeal in The Impresario, Zerbinetta in Ariadne auf Naxos, Adele in Die Fledermaus, Héro in Beatrice and Benedict, and Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute. Dr. Vigil holds Music Performance degrees from University of New Mexico, Louisiana State University, and Temple University. Dr. Vigil has taught at Ouachita Baptist University, Abilene Christian University, HardinSimmons University, and McMurry University. Currently, she teaches voice at Texas Woman’s University.

FEEDER TEAM

KAYLEE

SADAFSAZ

is in her ninth year of teaching, and seventh year as the Director of Choirs at Curtis Middle School in Allen ISD, where her choirs have consistently performed at the highest levels and received Superior ratings at UIL Contest. Mrs. Sadafsaz graduated Magna Cum Laude from Berklee College of Music where she earned her Bachelors of Music Degree with a concentration in Music Education. While at Berklee, she was awarded the Promising Music Educator Award from the Massachusetts Music Educators Association. Mrs. Sadafsaz resides in Plano, TX with her two beautiful boys, Christopher and Caden. When she isn’t teaching, she enjoys traveling, going to the beach, shopping, and gardening.

LEONARDO CASTRO is the assistant director of choirs at Curtis Middle School. He is a graduate of Dallas Baptist University Cum Laude. While studying at Dallas Baptist University, Mr. Castro received the TMEA Collegiate Music Educator Award. This is his first year as an assistant choir director at Curtis Middle School, and third year teaching overall. He has loved his experience in Allen ISD so far, and has experienced some great success with his previous choirs by consistently getting superior ratings at UIL contests. Mr. Castro is also very involved in his church as the worship leader for 10 years. Mr. Castro resides in Anna, Texas with his amazing high school sweetheart Jeny, his beautiful daughter Kaia, and his two dogs Shadow and Koda.

SUSY

GULLEY

is director of choirs at Ford Middle School. Previously, she taught in Plano ISD and Richardson ISD, plus maintained a private voice studio and directed church music. Her choirs consistently earn superior ratings at competitions. Most recently, her varsity treble choir was awarded a Citation of Excellence award from the Foundation for Music Education in 2022.

Mrs. Gulley was inaugural director of the Prelude Chorus of the Children’s Chorus of Collin County and she sang Soprano with The Texas Voices chamber choir. She has served as campus team leader, TMEA region secretary, TCDA greeter, and as an adjudicator and clinician throughout Texas. She is an active member of TMEA, TMAA, and TCDA. She enjoys traveling, performing with her classic rock cover band, and hanging out with husband, Chris; son Cameron; and her pet pygmy goats.

STEPHANIE PETRU is in her fourteenth year of teaching, and her fifth year as the Director of Choirs at Ereckson Middle School in Allen ISD, where her choirs have consistently received Superior ratings at UIL Contest. Mrs. Petru graduated from Texas State University where she earned her Bachelors of Music Education. She resides in Allen, TX with her husband, Keith, and their two girls, Carlee and Peyton.

JENNIFER HOPSON assists the choir program at Ereckson Middle School. This is her first year working in Allen ISD. She is married to Tim, and they have 3 boys. Michael is in college at Texas A&M Commerce, Matthew is at Collin College and Zachary is a junior at Allen high school. She enjoys singing in her church choir and volunteering with her church youth group.

To the Southwest American Choral Directors Association:

On behalf of Allen Independent School District, I want to thank SWACDA for selecting the Allen High School Varsity Treble Choir to perform at your annual conference.

Our students exhibit a true passion for music that will be evident when you listen to them perform. This performance represents years of consistent practice and hard work, and the students are thrilled to showcase their skills for you and your colleagues.

Music educators recognize that a musical background can enhance a child’s life through perseverance, patience, teamwork, creativity, and confidence. As educators we are not only preparing our students for the next concert, but we are also providing students with futureready skills to help them grow academically and personally.

Allen ISD is fortunate to have passionate and dedicated music educators leading our elementary, middle, and high school students. I would like to acknowledge our outstanding Allen High School Varsity Treble Choir Director Kathryn Zetterstrom for preparing our students for this memorable performance.

As a school district, it is a strongly held belief that Fine Arts is an integral component of a wellrounded education, and this would not be possible without the support of the Allen ISD Board of Trustees. I also want to thank our parents and community members for encouraging this vision for our students' benefit.

Thank you again for selecting our Treble Choir for this performance I wish the very best to every school participating in the conference and thank you for your continued support of the arts in education.

Sincerely,

Robin Bullock, Ed. D. Superintendent

Allen independent School District

Southwest American Choral Directors Association,

On behalf of Allen High School, I would like to thank the Southwest American Choral Directors Association for honoring the Allen High School Varsity Treble Choir at the Association’s conference this year. The students, staff, and AHS community are humbled and fully recognize that this selection is a great honor.

The Allen High School Treble Select Choir is a truly remarkable group of young people who pour countless hours of time and energy into perfecting their craft. They are amazing to hear, and Allen High School is very proud of every one of them.

I would be remiss if did not also recognize the hard work of our Choir Director Kathryn Zetterstrom. This remarkable educator works tirelessly to support, promote and grow our choir program at AHS. She pours herself into ensuring that our choir students are the best that they can be.

I would again like to thank the Southwest American Choral Directors Association for your work with music educators across the country to promote and continue to grow music education. Music education is vital to the growth and development of so many students and your work is crucial.

Sincerely,

Matt Russell Principal Allen High School

To the American Choral Directors Association,

On behalf of Allen High School, I would like to thank the ACDA for its unwavering support of choral education and choral educators for so many years.

We were elated when the AHS Varsity Treble Choir was invited to perform at the 2024 SWACDA convention. The girls have rehearsed the pieces on today’s program with liveliness and care over the past year. Their work as musicians has shaped other areas of their lives. They are better listeners and risk-takers. They are more mindful and present. They are eager to do hard things.

Kathryn Zetterstrom directs the Varsity Treble Choir, but “directs” does not describe her meticulous attention to detail, joyful approach to the craft of teaching, vast musical knowledge, and the love she has for her students. I am so proud of Kathryn and our Varsity Treble Choir, and we cannot wait for you to see them shine today.

Shelly Holmes

House 200 Principal, Fine Arts

Allen High School

March 1, 2024

ALLEN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

To the Southwest American Choral Directors Association:

Outstanding choral ensembles are an integral component of the complete music education students in the Allen Independent School District receive at every level. The Allen High School Varsity Treble Choir is a superb example of the outstanding choral experiences available to students at the secondary level. Allen ISD provides a sequential, developmental music curriculum designed to allow each student the opportunity to build musical skill and understanding through a wide variety of quality musical experiences from the elementary school through the high school.

Today’s performance is a demonstration of the dedication to excellence of director Kathryn Zetterstrom, a testament to the commitment of these very talented singers, and the support of wonderful parents and campus administrators. We are proud that SWACDA has recognized the outstanding musicianship of this group through an invitation to participate in the 2024 conference.

On behalf of the Allen Independent School District and the Fine Arts Department, I thank you for affirming the efforts of this outstanding music educator and her gifted students. We are confident that you will be impressed by their performance.

Sincerely,

Jeff Turner Director of Fine Arts

ALLEN ISD MUSIC PROGRAM

Allen ISD is a diverse educational community of more than 21,000 students, K-12, who attend classes on 23 campuses just north of Dallas. Comprehensive music instruction in AISD begins in grades K-5 with certified elementary music teachers using a TEKS aligned sequential curriculum to develop basic music literacy skills. Sixth grade students, still on their elementary campus, are required to select band, choir, or orchestra to continue the development of these skills. More than 3,900 secondary students, representing 39% of the total 7th-12th grade population, participate in some musical ensemble. Band, Choir, and Orchestra is daily in middle school (grades 7-8). High school adds experiences for students in show choir, jazz band, music theory, AP music theory, and IB music.

Allen has been recognized among the “Best Communities for Music Education in America” by NAMM and its partner organizations. Allen ISD groups performing at TMEA include Allen HS Varsity Mixed Choir (2012), Lowery Freshman Center Women’s Choir (2017), Ereckson MS Symphony Orchestra (2018), Curtis Middle School Symphony Orchestra (2020), Allen HS Symphony Orchestra (2021), Allen HS Varsity Treble Choir (2023), and Curtis Middle School Symphony Orchestra (2023).

ALLEN HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY TREBLE CHOIR

The Allen High School Varsity Treble Choir is the premiere treble ensemble at Allen HS and is beautifully and complexly diverse. The choir is comprised of sophomores, juniors, and seniors who all possess an incredible work ethic, a commitment to academic integrity and eligibility, and enormous hearts for making and sharing beautiful music. The students in this choir are members of Allen High School’s Varsity Mixed Chorale as well as the varsity treble chorus Eagle Select. They have consistently received Sweepstakes awards at UIL Concert and Sightreading evaluations and most recently performed at the 2023 Texas Music Educators Association Convention as an invited choir. It is worthy to note this treble ensemble is an accurate cross-section of the school from which it comes. Allen High School is the largest high school in the state of Texas—as Allen ISD is a “one high school district” with a current 9-12 enrollment of 6,900 students. Therefore, its student population represents a rich, complex diversity of backgrounds. The ensemble’s mission is to encourage appreciation, acceptance, and empowerment of their peers beyond the choir community by starting within their ensemble. They practice living out their signature quote: “Girls compete with one another, but women empower.

ALLEN ISD CHOIR PROGRAM

Music instruction in Allen ISD begins in the elementary grades, where certified elementary music teachers teach fundamentals of music using Kodaly methodology and a TEKS based sequential curriculum. Specialized instruction in vocal and instrumental music is offered twice a week beginning in the sixth grade at the elementary schools in which every sixth grader must take band, choir, or orchestra.

Intermediate and Advanced Middle School choir classes meet five days per week. These students participate in the Allen ISD Solo and Ensemble Festival, the Allen High School Choir Extravaganza Concert, UIL Region 25 Concert and Sight-reading Festival, TMEA Region 25 events, Campus Musical as well as numerous school and community concerts. Ninth grade students continue their music instruction in choir classes that meet every other day on a modified block schedule. Lowery Freshman Center has an enrollment of 1,776 students and offers four choir classes that perform as part of the Allen High School Choir program. Freshman students perform in treble, tenor/bass, and mixed choirs. Additionally, they can participate in a mixed gender show choir as well as a women’s show choir.

Allen High School serves grades 10-12 and offers a wide variety of academic and career major studies. The Allen High School campus has an enrollment of 5,219. The music curricula of this school include six orchestra classes, two symphony orchestras, seven concert bands, jazz band, percussion ensemble, eight concert choirs, a show choir, on level Music Theory, AP Music Theory, and IB Music. Honors credit (4.5 and 5.0) is also available in all concert performance organizations. Allen High School is also on a modified block schedule with most classes meeting every other day. The AISD choral program serves 1400 students. These students are in eighteen elementary schools (6th grade), Ereckson Middle School, Curtis Middle School, Ford Middle School, Lowery Freshman Center, and Allen High School.

Administration

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Special Thanks

Booster Club

Dr. Robin Bullock…………………………….............………...……........Superintendent

Kim McLaughlin ……………………………………....................Deputy Superintendent

Jennifer Wilhelm …..............................Assistant Superintendent Learner Services

Brent Benningfield …………………………….....Assistant Superintendent Operations

Johnna Walker ………………………......Assistant Superintendent Human Resources

Brian Carter ………………………………….........……….…..……Chief Financial Officer

David Hicks ……………........Chief Communications and Strategic Initiatives Officer

Jeff Turner ………………….…………………….........………………Director of Fine Arts

Denise Virgil …….……………………….……..….....Fine Arts Administrative Assistant

Matt Russell ……....……………………….………………........….......Principal, Allen HS

Gwen Dilts ……………........………………………….……….........…Associate Principal

Race Hinkle …………………………………….……….……….…..…..Associate Principal

Shelly Holmes …………………………………………….……...………....House Principal

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Sarah Mitchell …………………………………………...………………………....President

Kevin Cameron …………………………………………..….………………..Vice President

Dr. Polly Montgomery ………….………………...……..……..……………….…Secretary

Sam Abiog ………………………………………………………………………………Trustee

Amy Gnadt …………………………………...………..…………..…..………………Trustee

Elle Holland ………………………………….……………………..….………………Trustee

Dr. Bill Parker ……………………………..……………………..…………………….Trustee

AISD Elementary Music Teachers

Bolin Paula Till

Boon Krista Butler

Boyd Cheryl Perrault

Chandler Briar Spoon

Cheatham Caryn Fecht

Evans Gabe Henry

Green Rhonda Selp

Kerr Allison Wilson

Lindsey Cynthia Walz

Marion

Shelly Diana - lead

Norton Pam Meis

Olson Jessie Stout

Preston Jennifer Bush

Reed

Story

Destiny Cookus

Tina Valleau

Vaughan Adrianna Iennusa

Michael Bryson

Leonardo Machado de Castro

Matt Cross

George Cornelius

Sarah Council

Dr. Ken Davis

Trenton Davis

Joe and Susan Dawes

David Devoto

Brett Farr

Susan Fulk

Susy Gulley

Shelly Holmes

Jennifer Hopson

Dr. Kevin Johnson

Brandi Knight

Miles Locke

Brian McKinney

Dallas Ovalle

Stephanie Petru

Stacy Polk

Kaylee Sadafsaz

Jane Schmidt

Amanda Su

Dr. Alan Zabriskie

Espen Zetterstrom

Henrik and Kameryn Zetterstrom

Pete Zetterstrom

Allen High School Booster Club and its incredibly supportive board of directors

My Print Choice

McKenna Group

Denver Percussion

Family Sponsors:

Ajmera Patel Family

Cramer Family

Horton Family

Julian Family

Kinkel Family

Mispagel Family

Polk Family

Pulapaka Family

Reed Family

Saithu Family

Tomlin Family

Zudekoff Family

DIRECTOR’S LETTER

I was pre-med when I began college. Piano performance and vocal music education were my declared majors–but I was going to be a doctor. Yeah. That didn’t happen. I’m still a lover of science and math…and I have been known to read the JAMA for a little “light reading”...but it was at the end of my second year in college when I thought, “Who are you kidding? You’re gonna be a choir director.” That was it. Matter of fact. Decision made.

I thought I was doing it because I seemed to be good at it and it came to me as easily as breathing. I thought I was doing it because I came from a family of musicians and educators. Over the years, however, it has become evident to me that I don’t do it for “the art” and I don’t do it because I can; I do it because that’s my medium of choice to connect with my students–84 of whom stand before you today. I know many of you in this SWACDA audience feel similarly.

We don’t choose this for the salary–that’s for sure. There isn’t fancy, exotic business travel or financial incentives for successes in the classroom or on the stage. We don’t get stock options and we can barely afford to retire. Ah but what we DO get, my friends in the corporate world envy. What we DO get is relationships with those we serve–our students–that will last a lifetime. We also get the knowledge our influence and the way we touch their lives will continue infinitely in the lives they touch if we’ve done it correctly. We can hope and pray we influence their lives in a way so as to leave them forever changed, forever empowered, forever confident, forever valued, and above all else forever loved. If they can pay that forward the cycle never ends.

In this choir we embrace mutual empowerment. We give each other a safe space. When we fail, we apologize and move forward… together. These young women live out my favorite quote every day: “Girls compete with one another, but women empower one another”. They not only empower each other but they also empower me–to dream bigger, love more deeply, and make new music. Never has there been a more symbiotic relationship.

Thank you to you, Superchoir, for your vulnerability, your trust, your dedication, your precious time, and your hearts. Thank you to the parents for sharing your daughters with me and encouraging and supporting them as they grow through their gift. Thank you to my colleagues for your support, encouragement, friendship, inspiration, and love. Thank you to my own sons who could’ve resented my profession and me for all the times I was spending more time with my kids on the risers than with them. And thank you to my parents for being such selfless, loving, supportive people who hit the “role model” assignment waaaay out of the park. I hope I honor you by paying your love forward to these ladies and all my students past, present and future. Their music is the sound of your love and influence on me.

As a student once wrote to me: If it is true that energy is neither created nor destroyed, I’d like to believe that our music today is the recycled music and love from all those who have sung before us and likewise, our performance today will ensure tomorrow’s music in classrooms, concert halls, private moments, and places of worship by all who raise their collective voice.

May it be so.