The Katy Independent School Districtpresents

Seven Lakes High SchoolChorale Women

Shannon Carter and Julia Cooper, Directors

In concert for theTexas Music Educators Association

The Church of St. John the DivineHouston, Texas

January 27, 20097:00 pm

Henry B. Gonzalez Convention CenterLila Cockrell TheaterSan Antonio, TexasFebruary 12, 2009

9:00 am

Program Laudate Dominum Egil Hovland (Walton Music WH185)

O Let Us Praise the LordPsalm 150

I Will Lift Up My Eyes Z. Randall Stroope (Alliance Music AMP 0762)

I will lift up my eyes to the hills, to the mountains where comes my help.I will lift up my eyes to my strength, the one who made heaven, the one who made earth,

I will lift up my eyes to the hills.

Distress by day may come, despair by night.But the keeper watches o’er your soul, a shade on your right hand.

The Lord shall oppose and guard you. In all your coming, your going, living, dying.

Who never slumbers, nor sleeps, always, ever, without ceasing.The sun will not harm you by day nor the moon by night.

Who shall preserve you from evil. And preserve your soul forever.Adapted from Psalm 121

Chanson des Aiguilles (Song of the Seamstresses) Camille Saint-Saens / Ed. Janet Galvan (Roger Dean Publishing Company 15/1473R) UIL Grade V

Young girl take out your hook, take out your needle, sew with all your skill, stitch by stitch.7KURZ�WKH�ZRRO�XQGHU�\RXU�¿QJHUV��NQLW�PLWWHQV�RU�FRDWV�

How diligent is the needle in your hand, continuously sewing and sewing, sewing for the sweet infant.Your needle never stops, while the baby with his eyes closed has no dream for tomorrow.

Sew for the soldiers of France. Divide and turn the skeins of yarn and make warm mittens. 7KLV�LV�KRZ�\RX�GR�\RXU�SDUW�LQ�WKLV�KXJH�HQGHDYRU��ZKLOH�KH�GHIHQGV�RXU�ULJKWV�DQG�RXU�ÀDJ�DQG�GHIHQGV�

our grief stricken elders who are crippled by the weight of their age and their mourning. Don’t let your needle rest for long. Cradle the night of his life with the rhythm of your songs.

Prayer for the Gifts Kinley Lange (Alliance Music AMP 0709)

Creator, in your goodness,grant us the mind to comprehend you, the vision to discern you, and the power of reason to be grateful.

Creator, in your kindness,HQGRZ�XV�ZLWK�WKH�GLOLJHQFH�WR�VHHN�\RX��WKH�ZLVGRP�WR�¿QG�\RX�DQG�WKH�VSLULW�WR�DSSUHKHQG�\RX�

Creator, in your graciousness,bestow on us the heart to think on you and the ears to hear, and the eyes to see, and the voices to sing of you.

Creator, in your mercy,give to us the words that would please you, the patience to wait for you, and the strength of soul to long for you;

and grant us a perfect end; your holy presence. Amen.

Ower The Hills 6WHSKHQ�+DW¿HOG (Boosey & Hawkes OCTB6942)

Laquita Sue Lawrence, oboe Desiree Overree, violin

This setting of Scottish tunes uses scat syllables called “diddling”.

Rockin’ Jerusalem arr. by Tawn B. Thomas (Alliance Music AMP 0791)

Oh Mary, Oh Martha. Oh Mary ring dem bells.I hear arch angels rockin’ in Jerusalem. I hear arch angels ringing dem bells.

Oh sistah Mary don’t you weep, don’t your mourn. Oh Martha don’t you weep, don’t you mourn.Oh Mary don’t you weep, don’t you mourn. Ring dem bells.

Church getting’ higher, higher Jerusalem. Church getting’ higher, higher and higher.It’s getting’ higher and higher, higher and higher. All de angels ringin’ dem bells.

Top Row (L-R)

Katie Aldrup, Senior

Stefanie Sapaugh, Junior

Mary Lieberman, Sophomore

Laura Andersen, Junior

Stephanie Pierce, Junior

Chantel Burkes, Junior

Krista Stone, Sophomore

Alexis Askew, Sophomore 2009 All-State Choir Member

Osagumwena Osaretin, Sophomore

Melissa Chapman, Senior

Rebecca Pierce, Sophomore

Rebecca Hickman, Junior

Amanda Muir, Sophomore

Shelby Simons, Junior

Elizabeth McShane, Senior

Rebecca Gulick, Junior

Tori Reading, Junior

Bottom Row (L-R)

Taylor Acosta, Sophomore

Melanie Medina, Junior

Fiorella Saavedra, Senior

Stephanie Sepulveda, Junior

Nicole Medina, Junior

Rebekah Smith, Freshman

Sinthuja Devarajan, Freshman

Paige Peterson, Freshman

Tiffany Rouhana, Junior

Tarah Drouin, Sophomore

Joanna Higgins, Sophomore

Paige Asel, Senior

Megan Wente, Junior

Lindsay Keahey, Sophomore

Heather Hayes, Senior

Julia Rucker, Senior 2008 All-State Choir Member

Rachael Olsen, Senior

Katy ISD� LV� D� ÀRXULVKLQJ� VXEXUEDQ�VFKRRO� GLVWULFW� ORFDWHG�DS-proximately 20 miles west of Houston. Comprised of 51 campuses, including 31 elementary schools, 12 junior highs, 6 high schools, a career-technology center and an alternative center, Katy ISD en-compasses 181 square miles in the greater Katy area, reaching into Harris, Fort Bend and Waller counties.

With an enrollment of more than 56,000 students in an expand-LQJ� UHJLRQ� WKDW�H[HPSOL¿HV�SURJUHVV��.DW\� ,6'� LV�RQH�RI� WKH� IDVW-est-growing school districts in Texas with an annual growth rate of DERXW�¿YH�WR�VL[�SHUFHQW�SURMHFWHG�WKURXJK�������

Instructional quality is guided by a comprehensive district-wide cur-riculum management plan, which coordinates development, deliv-ery and assessment of teaching throughout the district. Student achievement on statewide tests consistently surpasses statewide achievement levels at every grade level in every area tested. Katy students consistently win individual and team championships (state, QDWLRQDO�DQG�LQWHUQDWLRQDO��LQ�DWKOHWLFV��DFDGHPLFV�DQG�¿QH�DUWV��)RU�

17 consecutive years, Katy ISD was named one of the nation’s most sought-after school districts by School Match, a nationwide school information service.

Attesting to the solid relationship between the district and the com-munity, Katy ISD offers an award-winning Partners in Education program, providing approximately one volunteer for every three children in the district. Volunteers donated more than a half-million KRXUV�LQ����������,Q�DGGLWLRQ��.DW\�,6'�LV�WKH�¿UVW�VFKRRO�GLVWULFW�LQ�

the world to adopt a Junior Achievement “whole district” approach, providing JA curriculum at each grade level and every campus.

Katy ISD is committed to ensuring each child meets with success, and comprises a staff of dedicated, aspiring professionals with a common goal – to do “whatever it takes” for students. The empha-sis is on meeting the needs of students through engaging instruc-tion, a supportive classroom environment and a wide variety of ex-tracurricular activities.

Seven Lakes High School opened in 2005 as Katy Indepen-dent School District’s sixth high school. The Class of 2008 was our ¿UVW�JUDGXDWLQJ�FODVV���7KH�IDFXOW\�DQG�VWDII�DUH�FRPPLWWHG�WR�FUHDW-ing a positive atmosphere that empowers students to develop strong character, achieve excellence, serve the community and become life-long learners in a diverse world. Parents, community members and business partners play a pivotal role in accomplishing our mission.

Choral Department The Seven Lakes High School Choral Department was founded with 52 members. Over the past three years, the choir has grown to include 175 students in seven perform-ing ensembles. The Spartan Choir has quickly established a tradi-tion of musical excellence, with eight Texas All-State Choir members and ten UIL Sweepstakes trophies since 2005. More important than awards, however, is the choir’s philosophy which promotes setting personal goals, working proactively and celebrating successes. Over sixty students participate in private voice lessons working to improve their technique through solo and choral literature. In 2007, the choir had the honor of performing at New York City’s St. Paul’s Chapel. The Chorale Women, 33 young ladies who also perform as members of mixed Chorale, meet one night per week for two-and-a-half hours to rehearse their treble music. All students are well-rounded individu-als who are dedicated to the choral program and are also involved in many other extra-curricular activities.

Julia graduated summa cum laude

with a Bachelor of Music Educa-

tion from Texas Tech University. She

studied piano as her principal instru-

ment and also sang in a number of

choirs, including Madrigal Singers.

Upon graduation, Julia was honored

as the highest ranking graduate from

the College of Visual and Performing

Arts.

Prior to teaching at Seven Lakes HS, Julia taught at Katy HS for three

years. Choirs under her direction consistently receive Sweepstakes at

UIL contests. Julia is an active member of the Texas Music Educators

Association and the Texas Choral Directors Association. She currently

serves as the Region 23 Vocal Division Treasurer. She resides in Katy

with her husband, Jordan.

Kerri Watson-Elrod has been an accompanist for 25 years. A na-

tive of Los Angeles, California, she earned a Bachelors Degree in Vo-

cal Performance and a Masters Degree in Piano Performance both

from Kent State University in Ohio. Ms. Watson-Elrod has accom-

panied several TMEA performance

choirs from Katy ISD, has been an ac-

companist for an ACDA select choir,

and was the 2007 All-State Treble

Choir accompanist under the direction

of Janet Galvan. Kerri is in her tenth

year of teaching choral music in Katy

ISD at the secondary level. When not

teaching and pursuing her enjoyment

of music, she is devoting her time to

her husband Jason and beautiful one

year old daughter, Emma.

Shannon Carter is the Choir Direc-

tor and Fine Arts Department Chair at

Seven Lakes High School and is cur-

rently in his fourteenth year as a high

school choir director in Texas. He is a

1995 graduate of Texas State Univer-

sity, where he received a Bachelor of

Music degree.

Prior to opening Seven Lakes High

School in 2005, Carter was the As-

sistant Choir Director at Cinco Ranch

High School for three years. In addition to working in Katy ISD, he

also taught at Klein Forest High School and Harlingen South High

School. Choirs under his direction are consistent Sweepstakes

Award winners at UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest, and

have been named Best in Class and Overall Most Outstanding at

festivals throughout the Southwest.

Carter currently serves as President of TMEA Region 23. He is also

honored to have served as an All-State Choir Section Leader. He

is an active adjudicator and clinician throughout the State of Texas,

and has multiple inclusions in Who’s Who Among America’s Teach-

ers. In 2001, he received the Klein Forest High School Outstand-

LQJ�7HDFKHU�$ZDUG��+LV�SURIHVVLRQDO�DI¿OLDWLRQV�LQFOXGH�7H[DV�0XVLF�

Educators Association, Texas Choral Directors Association, Texas

Music Adjudicators Association, Texas State Teachers Association,

and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

Julia Cooper is in her second year as assistant choir director at

Seven Lakes High School. A native Texan, she was born and raised

in Garland, where she sang under the direction of Randy Hooper

and Cheryl Wilson.

Paul Coutant, voice teacher, is

in his 9th year as a private vocal

coach, having previously taught

in San Antonio at Judson High

School and East Central High

School as well as in Cuero and

Victoria. Coutant studied voice

at The University of North Texas,

Texas Christian University and

in Austria, with teachers Dr. Ed-

ward Baird, Dr. J. Arden Hopkin,

Carol Mayo and MaryBeth Smith.

Mr. Coutant sang several seasons with the Ft. Worth Opera

Association. Character parts are his passion, having per-

formed Eisenstein in “Die Fledermaus,” Jud Fry in “Oklaho-

ma!,” both fathers in “The Fantasticks,” Max in “The Sound

of Music,” Charlie in “Annie Get Your Gun,” the Rabbi in “The

Fiddler on the Roof,” Blore in “10 Little Indians” and Tony in

“Dial M for Murder.”

Coutant has directed productions of “Little Mary Sunshine,”

“The Fantasticks” and “I Do! I Do!” and was music director for

a production of “The Fiddler on the Roof.” His oratorio credits

include the baritone solos in Stravinsky’s “Pulcinella Ballet,”

Faure “Requiem” and the Brahms “Requiem.”

Paul’s professional associations are with Texas Music Educa-

tors Association, American Guild of Musical Artists, and the

National Association of Teachers of Singing.

Laurelle Gowing, voice teacher,

is a graduate of Rice Universi-

ty’s Shepherd School of Music

and received a Master of Music

in Vocal Performance. She also

earned a Bachelor of Music from

Wheaton College Conservatory.

Ms. Gowing’s operatic roles in-

clude Noemie in “Cendrillon”

Pamina in “The Magic Flute”,

Anna in “Intermezzo”, Lady Billows in “Albert Herring”, Suor

Angelica in “Suor Angelica”, Gretel in “Hansel and Gretel” and

Contadine in “Gondoliers”. Her partial roles include Female

Chorus in “The Rape of Lucretia”, First Lady in “Die Zauber-

À|WH´��.RQVWDQ]H�LQ�³(QWI�KUXQJ�GHP�6HUDLO´��&RQWHVVD�LQ�³/H�

Nozze di Figaro”, Donna Anna in “Don Giovanni” and Arabella

in “Arabella”.

Ms. Gowing was most recently a winner in the Texas Young

$UWLVW�&RPSHWLWLRQ�LQ�������6KH�ZDV�DOVR�D�¿QDOLVW�LQ�WKH�0HW-

ropolitan Opera district auditions in San Diego and also re-

ceived the audience choice award in 2006 & 2007. She was

First place winner of Musical Merit of San Diego competition

resulting in a full-tuition scholarship to Aspen Music Festival

2005 and 2006. Ms Gowing was a winner in the Aspen Festi-

val Concerto Competition 2005, and has performed and been

involved with ASMF for the past 4 summers. Ms. Gowing cur-

rently resides in Houston, TX where she performs regularly

with Houston Grand Opera, teaches voice and collaborates

with many venues.

Desiree Overree, violinist, earned a Bachelor of Music Ed-

ucation with Highest Honors from Sam Houston State Uni-

versity. Under her direction, the Seven Lakes High School

Sinfonia Orchestra was ranked as one of the top six string or-

chestras in the state of Texas. In addition to teaching in Katy

ISD, she has also taught for Humble ISD, Spring Branch ISD,

and Cy-Fair ISD. She led the Memorial Philharmonia Orches-

tras and placed First Runner-Up in the Texas Honor Orchestra

Competition. She has conducted at the Midwest Convention

in Chicago with the Memorial Orchestras, and has conducted

twice at Carnegie Hall, once with the Stratford HS Orchestras

and the Memorial Orchestras. In 2003, 2004, and 2005, the

GRAMMY Foundation honored Langham Creek HS for its ex-

ceptional public high school music programs, designating it as

a GRAMMY Signature School. In 2004, Miss Overree was a

Co-Conductor with Dr. Deborah Perkins with the Texas “Lone

Star” Ambassadors, who toured throughout Western Europe.

Soon after, Dr. Perkins and Ms. Overree formed the Texas

Youth Orchestra, which toured throughout Italy and Austria in

2006, and will tour Austria, Budapest and the Czech Republic

this summer.

She is frequently invited as an adjudicator and clinician, pri-

vate violin teacher, and an active freelancer. During the sum-

mer, she is a Faculty member of the Sam Houston State Uni-

versity Summer Camps. She holds professional memberships

and leadership positions in Texas Music Educators Associa-

tion, Texas Music Adjudicators Association, Texas Orchestra

Directors Association, American String Teachers Association,

and Sigma Alpha Iota. In her spare time, she travels, reads

voraciously, and is a raving baseball fan.

Laquita Sue Lawrence, oboist, has been teaching for the Katy

Independent School District for eight years. Her teaching experi-

ence spans four decades, and she currently maintains a studio

with 50 oboe students. Ms. Lawrence’s performance experience

spans four decades as well with orchestras including the Houston

Symphony, Lake Charles Symphony, Victoria Symphony, Corpus

Christi Symphony, Rapides Symphony, Brazos Valley Sympho-

ny, Galveston Symphony, Clear Lake Symphony, Houston Civic

Symphony, Campanile Orchestra, Orchestra X and La Sympho-

nia Del Estado De Mexico. She wishes to thank the Seven Lakes

Choir for the privilege of performing this piece with them, and

DOVR�WKDQNV�KHU�¿UVW�RERH�WHDFKHU��'U��(YHO\Q�0F&DUW\�RI�&RUSXV�

Christi, Texas for her contribution to her education.

Seven Lakes High School Administration Christie Whitbeck, Principal Valerie Anderson, Administrative Assistant Principal Rhonda Ward, Curriculum & Instruction Assistant Principal Dr. Clarence Miller, 12th Grade Assistant Principal Mario Bye, 11th Grade Assistant Principal Miche Norris, 10th Grade Assistant Principal Bill Roberts, 9th Grade Assistant Principal

Katy ISD Administration Alton Frailey, Superintendent Thomas Gunnell, &KLHI�2SHUDWLRQV�2I¿FHU Dr. Elizabeth Clark, Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Janine Phillips, Executive Director for Elementary Instruction Dr. Linda Menius, Executive Director for Secondary Instruction Bob Bryant, Executive Director of Fine Arts Mitzi Jones, Assistant Director of Fine Arts

Katy ISD School Board Eric M. Duhon, President Joe M. Adams, Vice President Robert Shaw, Treasurer Rebecca Fox, Secretary Judith Snyder, Sergeant-at-Arms Chris Crockett, Member Tom Law, Member

Elementary Feeder School Music Specialists Roosevelt Alexander Elementary Paulette Nemec & Anna Villanueva

Sue Creech Elementary Joanie Lisman & Dave Wallace

� 0LFKDHO�*ULI¿Q�(OHPHQWDU\

Cynthia Brodt & Jason Ritchie

Bonnie Holland Elementary Eunice Marrero & Melissa Talton

Odessa Kilpatrick Elementary Suzie Calarco & Michele Dial

Jo Ella Exley Elementary Jerry Manto & Sabrina Silva

James Williams Elementary Lynne Sears & Mary K. Price

WoodCreek Elementary Libby Huntington & Michele Hobizal

Junior High Feeder School Choir Directors Beck Junior High School Paula Olsen & Anne Guess

Beckendorff Junior High School Janet Menzie & Jeff Van Hal

WoodCreek Junior High School Lauren Burris

AcknowledgementsDenise Eaton, TMEA Vocal Division Vice President

TMEA Selection CommitteeKaty ISD Board of Trustees and Administration

Seven Lakes High School AdministrationSeven Lakes High School Choir Booster Club

Seven Lakes High School Fine Arts DepartmentSeven Lakes High School Chorale Women Class of 2008

Shannon SmithThe Carter Family

Jordan CooperLee Hervey

The Hervey FamilyThe Cooper Family

Michael MadridGary Leger

Dorothy WilsonEddie Quaid

Thi HaMarsha Carlisle

Keith DixonKinley Lange

Tawn B. ThomasTeresa Chardola

Susan MauryToni Adams

Dea ComeauxAMC Music

Alliance Music PublicationsDr. John Paul Johnson

MaryBeth D. Smith – DictionHelper.comDirectors Choice Tour and Travel

Visual Services of TexasMemorial Parkway Junior High School Choir

Victoria Osborne – Drama Queen Design

2008-‐2009 SLHS Choir Booster Club Officers

Tam Aldrup, President

Dallas Stanberry, Vice President – Membership

Laura Pierce, Vice President – Fundraising

Michaline Wente, Secretary

Anne Gulick, Treasurer

Ruth Ann Irwin, Hospitality

Jane Smith, Hospitality

Debbie Bulling, Publicity

Darin McShane, Webmaster

1997 Mayde Creek Junior High School Mixed Choir directed by Scott Houston

1999 Mayde Creek High School Kantori Women directed by Charlie Collins & Randy Woodrome

2000 Mayde Creek Junior High School Treble Choir directed by Scott Houston

2000 James E. Taylor High School Chorale Women directed by Gail Land

2003 Memorial Parkway Junior High School Treble Choir directed by Gary Leger

2005 Beck Junior High School String Orchestra directed by Dixie Addington

2005 James Williams Elementary School Wrangler Chorale directed by Lynne Sears

2007 Katy ISD Elementary Honor Choir directed by Lynne Sears, Michele Dial, Austin Kelly, & Michele Hobizal

2008 Cinco Ranch High School Chorale directed by Dorothy Wilson

2009 Seven Lakes High School Chorale Women directed by Shannon Carter & Julia Cooper

Katy Independent School District TMEA Performances