BELLAIRE • MEMORIAL • RIVER OAKS • TANGLEWOOD • WEST UNIVERSITY

The power of song

By Ella Theurer, age 15 | August 27, 2022

Click the Buzz Me button to receive email notifications when this writer publishes a new article or a new article in this column is published.

SING YOUR HEART OUT Ella Theurer, a sophomore at Kinder HSPVA, has nurtured her love of music in the Treble Choir of Houston since fifth grade. (Photo: Jeff Grass Photography)

I’ve always had a passion for music. I started singing in choirs when I was six and joined the Treble Choir of Houston in fifth grade. This choir has been a significant part of my life and I have loved being a part of this talented group.

Participation in the Treble Choir leads to an appreciation for a wide variety of music. The choir’s repertoire is not limited to classical music, and we frequently explore genres such as jazz, pop, gospel, and Broadway. We’ve performed pieces in many different languages, including German, Russian, Latin, Spanish, Ukrainian, Estonian, and Czech. We’ve had the privilege of working with many acclaimed artists and musicians, and we’ve performed at historic venues such as Christ Church Cathedral, the Villa de Matel, and Carnegie Hall.

One of my favorite aspects of the choir is its amazing members and leaders. The Treble Choir is largely composed of girls that the director has taught since elementary school, creating a tightly knit group of girls that has been making music together for years. The choir has allowed me to keep in touch with my elementary school friends, and I love being able to sing with these girls.

The Treble Choir would not be complete without its director, the fabulous Marianna Parnas-Simpson. She brings out the best in our voices and gives her all to ensure that the choir reaches its full musical potential. Her mission with the choir is to “help young women find their voice,” both in music and everyday life.

Ms. Simpson is a firm believer in the power of music, and she has taught us that we can use music to change lives. We recently performed a Ukrainian folk song on the local news to honor citizens of Ukraine, which was a powerful experience that showed me how music can make an impact in the world. Under Ms. Simpson’s direction, I’ve seen myself grow immensely, not just as a musician, but as a person.

The Treble Choir of Houston has nurtured my passion for music, and it’s been a tremendous blessing in my life.

Want to be a Buzz Kid? Email approximately 350 words, a high-resolution photo and caption to [email protected]. Or mail it to The Buzz Magazines, 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, Texas 77401.