SINGERS IN HARMONY

Once a year for an entire school day, the auditorium at Coppell High School is full of 5th graders from all CISD elementary schools and 6th graders from all district middle schools for rehearsal for the annual CISD Honor Choir Concert.

Now in its 11th year, this event allows the CISD community to come together to showcase the talent of students on a large stage.

Fifteen singers are chosen from each elementary school and 25 are selected from each middle school through an audition process that results in about 230 members of the Honor Choir.

“The concert brings our community together in a truly district-wide event,” said Wilson Elementary Music Teacher Eric Hanson. “Honor Choir highlights the arts and celebrates our elementary and middle school programs.”

According to Hanson, Honor Choir allows 5th and 6th graders to obtain audition experience since they are not eligible for UIL (University Interscholastic League) competition until 7th grade.

Advika Anil, who is in 6th grade at CMS West, is in her second year of the CHS Honor Choir.

“Singing together with kids from other schools makes Honor Choir fun,” Anil said. “You feel like part of a community and can express yourself.”

Jace Frank, a 5th grader at Town Center Elementary, is continuing a family tradition by being part of the Honor Choir.

“My sister did it,” Frank said. “My favorite part of Honor Choir is being on stage with my friends and with the kids from all of the other schools.”

For the 2022 concert, technician Colton Blake was brought in to work with the singers to help them learn and refine technique. Hanson says this is to help the singers get a taste of what to expect if they continue in choir in middle school and beyond.

CMS West Choir Director Allison Hartzell said, “Beyond a recruitment tool for choir in middle school, the Honor Choir experience helps foster a love for music in a fun environment.”

When asked their favorite song of the concert, all of the singers responded with “Walk Through Life.”

“It is a fun song with lots of hype,” said Saiprathik Prakash, who is in 5th grade at Richard J. Lee Elementary. “Being a part of the Honor Choir makes me want to be in choir in middle school.”

CHS Choir Director Bona Coogle said, “This is an opportunity for the singers to engage with music teachers from all of the schools and hear the amazing music we can make together.”