A new year of chorus

The American Festival for the Arts announced new members for the 2014-15 season of Houston Girls Chorus, presented in collaboration with Houston Grand Opera’s HGOco, an initiative that connects the Houston Grand Opera to the community through collaboration such as student performances. The Houston Girls Chorus is composed of middle- and high school-aged girls from throughout Houston, who will perform in more than 20 appearances this year, including the house choir for Houston Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker Nov. 28-Dec. 28, two formal recitals and a spring tour of Galveston. Twin sisters Laura and Rachel Tan, as well as Rukmini Kalamangalam, are freshmen at Carnegie Vanguard High School and will participate in HGO again this year. Pictured here are the Houston Girls Chorus at the Spring Concert last year: (front row, from left) Giovanna Wiley, Rukmini Kalamangalam, Rachel Tan; (back row, from left) Leslee Ivy, Laura Tan and Norma Garcia. Upcoming free performances include a fall concert at MECA Nov. 1, 3 p.m., and at South Main Baptist Church, Nov. 2, 5 p.m. See AFAtexas.org for details about performances and scheduling an audition.

Editor’s note: The Buzz is happy to report that Annie and Tyler McQueen’s twin babies are doing well. Annie Blaylock McQueen, associate editor and Buzz About Town columnist, is currently out on maternity leave, spending time with her babies, Cash and Lila. In the meantime, Jordan Magaziner is handling this section. As usual, please send your high-res photos and community news to The Buzz at [email protected] or 5001 Bissonnet, Suite 100, Bellaire, TX 77401. Items are published on a space-available basis.