An impressive representation of Killeen ISD student vocal talent is performing on the highest scholastic choral stage in Texas this week.
Chaparral High School’s varsity tenor-bass choir, an all-male ensemble, is part of the evening program Friday night at the Texas Music Educators Association convention in San Antonio.
The choir is under the direction of Gerald Nicholas, a Shoemaker High School graduate who has amassed an impressive haul of honors in his relatively short career at the school district where he grew up.
He and associate director Eric Bourg have built an award-winning choir at Chaparral High School, now in its fourth year of existence.
Receiving an invitation to sing at TMEA requires three years’ worth of performance video, so the Bobcat choir earned the trip to San Antonio as quickly as the rules allows.
They are one of six invited choirs performing during the week-long conference among 100 that applied for the privilege.
Back in 2019 when Nicholas was directing the Patterson Middle School choir, his tenor-bass ensemble also received the elite invitation and traveled to San Antonio in 2020 to perform for TMEA’s 100th anniversary convention.
Prior to that Patterson choir invitation, KISD choirs had received a total of three TMEA invitations, in 1991, 1992 and 1999.
Apparently, Nicholas and the Cavaliers choir ushered in a new era for KISD choirs.
Two years ago, another award-winning choir director and program, the Harker Heights High School choir under the leadership of Spencer Wiley, received invitation for its Master Singers to perform at TMEA.
Preparation is extensive.
On Monday, the Chaparral choir performed a portion of its six-piece program called “Seize the Moment,” prompting overwhelming applause from an audience of peers and visiting students.
Back in September some of the Chaparral choir members expressed their excitement to perform with the tight-knit group and with a director they call “Mr. Nic.”
Azir Ward senior
To me, this is a present for Mr. Nic. All these last four years have been the best I could ask for. Helping us grow individually and together is the best we could ask for. Going to TMEA is the best.
Orlando Mendoza junior
I think it’s really big for our program and for us to grow together as a family. I love every year with these guys. Focus, making sure we are on task and to have fun and grow as friends and a family.
Zane Conway senior
Last year when we found out about it it was surreal. We’re the only high school tenor-bass choir that’s going to TMEA. It’s a big privilege, big audience, big stage. I’m happy we get to sing at this convention. We’re going to have to be on top of our game.
Avery Ellison senior
We’re practically a new school. To be invited to TMEA so early it is a very big achievement for our choir and our directors. I’m honored. To get to do something this big, I get to be proud of it.
Zachary Repine senior
I’ve been able to experience it. I’m ready for them to experience it. I think it changes your mind on everything. The venue is so big, and everyone is excellent. I think it’s awesome. This is our fourth year and right when we could submit, we got it, so that’s awesome. The level of music is hard, but it’s going to sound really good.
Chaparral choir photos:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720331955379
Previous story announcing CHS choir invitation:
https://www.killeenisd.org/article/2439198
In addition to the small number of invited ensembles, the TMEA All-State choir, orchestra and band all perform during the convention. Killeen ISD has nine students scheduled to perform with those groups.
They include the following:
ALL-STATE CHOIR:
Callie Walker (Ellison), 1st Chair Mixed Choir, Soprano 1
Benji Saban Contreras (Harker Heights), 1st Chair Mixed Choir, Tenor 1
Uriel Benitez (Harker Heights), 1st Chair Tenor-Bass Choir, Bass 2
Amani Mitchell (Chaparral), 1st Chair Mixed Choir, Alto 2
Zachary Repine (Chaparral), 2nd Chair Mixed Choir, Tenor 2
Zane Conway (Chaparral), 1st Chair Mixed Choir, Bass 1
ALL-STATE ORCHESTRA:
Alexander Kim, (Harker Heights), Viola
ALL-STATE BAND:
Hunter Emblen, (Ellison), Tuba
Reese Richardson, (Chaparral) E flat Clarinet
Story about KISD’s All-State members: https://www.killeenisd.org/article/2644354