Abilene ISD -

The “Voice of Taylor Choir” from Taylor Elementary School has been selected to perform at this year’s Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) convention. The choir was one of just four elementary choirs in Texas chosen to sing at TMEA this year, showcasing the choir as one of the state’s top programs. 

A preview concert for parents and the public will take place Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the Boone Theatre on the ACU campus, before the choir performs in San Antonio at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center Thursday, Feb. 13 at 2:45 p.m.

“This is a huge honor to be an invited ensemble at TMEA,” Choir Director Terry Graham said. “This is the highlight of my career. It’s also very intimidating to perform for your peers. The entire experience humbles me, and it will be an incredible experience for the children.”

Graham submitted a video of her group last spring and learned in July that Taylor’s choir had been selected. The choir, made up of 85 fourth- and fifth-grade students, will perform seven pieces, starting with “Clap and Sing, Join Together” by Victor Johnson. The choir will also perform “Whisper” by Greg Gilpin, “Rhythm of the Rain” by Jerry Estes, “Sansa Kroma” by Victor Johnson, “Song of the River” by Mark Patterson, “Pamoja” by Mark Burrows, and “Starlight, Starbright” by Susan Brumfield. 

Orff instruments, including bells, chimes, glockenspiels, metallophones, xylophones, and timpani, will accompany the choir’s “Rhythm and the Rain” performance. Abilene High School assistant band director Drew Young and senior Mattie Spaulding will join the choir for “Sansa Kroma” and “Pamoja.” AHS senior cellist Zoe Wilson will accompany the choir in its performance of “Starlight, Starbright.”

Abilene pianist Judy Brown, who plays the piano for AHS choirs, is the group’s pianist. Graham said the former music educator’s expertise has been invaluable as she has played and helped students work on individual parts.

Taylor Elementary’s choir program has a storied history dating back to 1963, with only two directors leading the group: Peggy Drennan (1963-90) and Terry Graham (1990-present). Over the years, the choir has performed for national and state political dignitaries and even performed a song with The Carpenters during the choir’s last appearance at the TMEA convention in 1973.

Under Graham’s leadership, the choir remains an active part of the Abilene community, performing at local events, nursing homes, businesses, and churches. In 2022, the Abilene Education Foundation recognized Graham for her contributions to music education, selecting her as the AISD Elementary Teacher of the Year. Later that year, Graham earned Region XIV Teacher of the Year at both elementary and secondary levels. 

With more than 30,000 music educators attending TMEA annually, the convention features around 100 performances, 300 teacher clinics, and 600 exhibitors. Graham called it “music educator heaven” and expressed gratitude for the support from AISD Executive Director of Fine Arts Clay Johnson and Taylor Principal Leslye Roberts for making the opportunity possible.

“Clay Johnson and Leslye Roberts have been phenomenal in helping us get this put together,” Graham said. “They have supported elementary music education, my students, and me. We look forward to visiting San Antonio and representing Abilene ISD and Taylor Elementary School.”

Click here to view the program for the choir’s upcoming performance.