The DeSoto High School Choral program, under the direction of Grammy finalist director Pamela Dawson, has consistently produced vocalists capable of competing on the highest levels. Though COVID provided many challenges, the choral excellence has continued with yet another DHS student achieving state honors.
DHS Senior Alexandria Ellison, a member of the DeSoto High School A Cappella Choir, was selected as an Honor choir member in 2020 and again this year. She performed with the Texas All-State Treble Choir in San Antonio on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at the Henry B. González Convention Center as part of the 2022 Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention. Alexandria was chosen for this prestigious honor through competitive processes held through the school year across the state at district, region, and area competitions.
Each fall, over 70,000 Texas high school students begin the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State audition process. 1,810 are ultimately selected to rehearse and perform during the annual TMEA Clinic/Convention in one of 18 Texas All-State ensembles, including four choirs: Mixed Choir, Treble Choir, Tenor-Bass Choir, Small School Mixed Choir.
All-State is the highest honor a Texas music student can receive. Ellison plans to continue to study music in college and is weighing her options on schools.
The DeSoto ISD Fine Arts department embraces the TMEA narrative as it aligns with the district vision: “Music education stimulates, challenges, and enriches. It is a catalyst for personal growth—in academic performance, self-confidence and self-esteem, multicultural respect, social engagement, cognitive development, problem-solving, and critical thinking.”
About the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA)
Since 1920, TMEA has worked to ensure excellence in music education for all Texas students. Over 13,000 school music educators are TMEA members belonging to one of five TMEA Divisions: Band, Orchestra, Vocal, Elementary and College.
About DeSoto Independent School District
DeSoto ISD is a public independent school district serving more than 7,400 students and 1,000 employees. The district comprises 10 campuses serving students from early childhood through graduation. DeSoto ISD’s mission is to ensure students, without exception, learn and grow at their highest level. The District’s 2021 Be The Future Strategic Plan focuses on equity, access, and excellence in an effort to provide a holistic and well-rounded educational experience to students and families in DeSoto, Glenn Heights, and Ovilla.
For more information about DeSoto ISD, visit www.desotoisd.org.