Three Killeen ISD choir students earned spots in national choirs that are set to perform this month at a conference in Chicago.
Pershing Park Elementary School fifth-graders Sophia Molina and Ruben Gomez and Audie Murphy Middle School sixth-grader Ryan Sparks earned spots in the OAKE National Honor Choir.
Pershing Park music teacher Jordan Coe instructs Molina and Gomez and formerly taught Sparks, who made the national choir last year, too. Audie Murphy choir director Cameron Carter is Sparks’ current music teacher.
The OAKE National Conference occurs annually, bringing together music educators and clinicians over the course of four days and culminating in the performance of singers selected to participate in the national choirs.
Hundreds of students across the country auditioned for the elite choirs and the KISD trio earned spots and the chance for continued instruction at the March 5-8 conference.
“I am very proud of all the work that they have put into this,” said Coe, who has instructed all three students.
“The children’s choir music this year consists of middle school level music in a variety of different languages, which they had to learn quickly, and the Youth Choir’s music, which is more on the level of high school and spanning a few different genres,” the elementary music teacher explained.
“This year, their music is incredibly difficult, and they have risen to the occasion with determination and a positive attitude.
“Their dedication to this music and their commitment to their choirs has been outstanding. I am so incredibly proud of each of them and the growth that they have made to get here.”