Parker Elementary, a Houston Independent School District (HISD) magnet school for music has been selected to perform at the Texas Music Educators Association conference, in San Antonio, February 2012. The Parker Advanced Chorus, under the direction of Marianna Simpson, was chosen for this honor and it will follow in the footsteps of past Parker Choruses which were selected by audition for this conference.
The Parker chorus is part of a 33-year music program at Parker Elementary School, located in the Westbury community at 10626 Atwell. Parker has served as a model music program for HISD. In addition to chorus, Parker’s music program includes Suzuki Strings, Band, Guitar and Piano. Parker has an ethnically diverse student population of over 800 students, 625 of which receive specialized music instruction, thanks toconsiderable efforts of parents and faculty, who raise funds to help support the music program. Parker is a Title I school with a high percentage of low-income families. The music program was recognized as a National GRAMMY® Signature School in 2002.
The chorus students are working to raise $13,000, to send the 75 member chorus and 25 chaperones to the conference in San Antonio. They are seeking help from the community through individual donations, corporate sponsorships and various fundraising events.
