Sixth-grade choir students across Abilene ISD had a chance to shine last Friday at the district’s first-ever 6th Grade Singabration. More than 200 students gathered at Hardin-Simmons University for a day of music, collaboration, and inspiration—an opportunity designed just for them.
Students spent the day rehearsing and performing together, building their skills while forming connections with peers from across the district. They also learned from the Abilene High School choir director Wendy Weeks and assistant choir director Remel Derrick. The event, spearheaded by Clack Middle School choir director Angela McKnight and her fellow AISD middle school choir directors, provided sixth-graders with a meaningful musical milestone to look forward to in the spring.
McKnight said events like this are common in larger districts but often come with restrictions based on grade level, location, or eligibility. She and her fellow middle school choir directors—Ginnylou Murphey (Mann), Lyndsey Ransford (Craig), and Kara Fortner (Madison)—wanted to ensure their sixth-grade students had an opportunity to continue stretching their musical talents.
“We desired to allow the students to perform higher-level music, to create an event that was fun and memorable, and to push the students to keep learning and growing toward their next musical goal,” McKnight said. “We wanted the students to have a collaborative experience with other 6th graders with similar interests. The ability to meet other people their age from different campuses is difficult without intentional events like Singabration.”
Beyond rehearsals, students enjoyed a full college experience—eating in the cafeteria, mingling with HSU music students, and exploring campus. For McKnight, an HSU alum, it was a full-circle moment.
“Being on the HSU campus was fun for our students and sentimental for me,” she said. “The students were encouraged and emboldened when the college students spoke to them at lunch and when we moved around campus for various rehearsals.”
McKnight and her fellow choir directors are already looking ahead to next year’s Singabration, aiming to make it a permanent fixture in the AISD Fine Arts calendar.
“It’s also a positive from a public perception because it creates possibilities for families and students who might not yet attend Abilene ISD,” McKnight said. “This opportunity begins what could create a lifelong love for music and singing. We hope the world sees how music can change a life when you start as a beginner.”