CYPRESS TEXAS — CFISD fifth-grade students representing 41 elementary schools participated in the 2019 Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Elementary Choral Festival, held April 19 at the Berry Center.

The combined choral performance saw approximately 320 fifth-graders come together, with the ensemble directed by Sara Bishea, Smith Middle School head choral director.

Lee Elementary School students Laila Gasanov (holding microphone) and Alvaro Rivera served as narrators during the 2019 Elementary Choral Festival.

“Being selected to lead the fifth-grade Choral Festival was a tremendous honor,” Bishea said. “As a middle school director, I’ve seen first-hand that our elementary programs are strong and are full of excellent leadership. Being able to work with the elementary teachers in preparation for the Choral Festival showed the dedication and expertise of the talented directors in CFISD. We are all so lucky to be a part of a district that values the fine arts and recognizes the importance of music in the lives of our students.

“The students were incredibly enthusiastic and showed their love and appreciation for singing, and their performance was truly a gift to be a part of. Seeing and hearing the joy that they exuded was exactly what we all need in our lives. This performance has truly been one of the highlights of my career so far and I am so grateful to have been a part of it.”

Approximately 320 fifth-grade students representing 41 CFISD elementary schools came together for a combined performance at the 2019 Elementary Choral Festival, held April 25 at the Berry Center.

Bob Covey, Board of Trustees vice president, welcomed guests and attendees to the performance. Bishea then led the ensemble through eight songs. Between pieces, Lee Elementary School students and performance narrators Laila Gasanov and Alvaro Rivera introduced each song. Loretta Bourn, CFISD coordinator of elementary music, offered closing remarks.

Sara Bishea, Smith Middle School head choral director, served as director for the 2019 Elementary Choral Festival and led the combined ensemble through eight songs.

“The Choral Festival continues to be a favorite event of the elementary music department,” Bourn said. “Children singing, parents smiling and teachers beaming – what more could we want?”