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West Houston-Katy Children’s Choir

The West Houston-Katy Children’s Choir is a professional, non-profit, audition-only community choir, open West Houston-Katy Children's Choir to boys and girls from 3rd to 8th grades. (Boys must have unchanged voices.) The choir welcomes children of all religions and backgrounds. Participation in the choir offers many opportunities to perform locally and statewide, learn music in multiple languages, perform a variety of musical styles as well as learn correct vocal techniques.

Led by Founder/Artistic Director Hildy Shanks, the West Houston-Katy Children's Choir has achieved numerous recognitions since it's inception in August of 2002. The choir has performed at retirement homes, hospitals, malls and many other public venues. All of their performances have been very well received with organizations asking them to return as soon as possible. The choir is proud to have received the “Best in Class” award at the Soundwaves Choral Competition two consecutive years, and performed in the rotunda of the State Capitol at the request of State Representative Bill Callegari. The choir was also asked to appear on the floor of the House and was announced by State Representative Glen Hegar and was recognized by all the State Representatives. It was such a tremendous honor and wonderful, historical experience for the choir. We anticipate more experiences and opportunities like this in the future.

It is the mission of the West Houston-Katy Children’s Choir to help children develop the skills necessary to enjoy a lifetime of musical excellence. We believe that when children are asked to rise to a level of excellence, they will. That standard can then be utilized in all areas of their life.

We are pleased to announce that the West Houston-Katy Children’s Choir is expanding its programs with a children’s Hand Bell Choir! The program is open to boys and girls from 4th to 8th grade and is a wonderful way to enhance musical skills and performance experience.

Auditions

Auditions for the choir and the hand bell choir are held in August and January, but may be individually arranged through Hildy Shanks.

Tuition

Tuition to be a member of the choir is $200 per semester (August–December and January–May). A $30 registration fee, per semester, is also required.

Rehearsals and Performances

During the semester, regular rehearsals are held Thursday evenings in the sanctuary of Grace Fellowship United Methodist Church from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Performances generally include a Christmas Concert, a Spring Concert and several community engagements.

About the Founder / Artistic Director

Hildy Shanks has been a well-respected member of the Houston area community since 1990. From 1990 to 1997 Mrs. Shanks was employed by the Alief ISD as both an elementary school music teacher, and as a middle school choir director. Her choirs and hand bell choirs won numerous awards in UIL and festival competitions, and performed all over the Houston area. In 1996, Mrs. Shanks was hired as a director in the world renowned Fort Bend Boys Choir of Texas. Her FBBC choirs have performed around the state. Mrs. Shanks also has a large private vocal studio. Many of her students have gone on to win music scholarships to universities such as Baylor, Texas Christian University, The University of North Texas, The University of Houston and Rice University.

Mrs. Shanks is also an active soloist, accompanist and guest conductor with several area organizations including the Nova Chamber Singers, Spring Branch Community Church, Alief Kerr High School, Fort Bend Austin High School, Cinco Ranch High School, Morton Ranch Jr. High, and Grace Fellowship United Methodist Church.

Mrs. Shanks holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Stephen F. Austin State University, where she graduated cum laud and was chosen as the Outstanding Music Graduate. She also worked toward a Master of Music degree at SFASU. Her professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Choral Directors Association, Mu Phi Epsilon Professional Music Fraternity and Alpha Chi Honor Society.

About the Accompanist

Ellen Ebner has been a music specialist in KISD for the past ten years. She has taught children’s choirs in various churches for many years and is now active in the Kingsland Baptist Church Adult Choir. She has also sung with Theater Under the Stars. Mrs. Ebner holds a Bachelor of Music Degree from Texas Tech University.

For more information on the West Houston-Katy Children’s Choir, contact us at hshanks@earthlink.net or 281-347-1769.