Jackson Intermediate School and River Oaks Baptist School
This group is in their third year of collaboration. Last year, the choirs wrote a song together which they were invited to perform for the Mayor of Pasadena on the steps of City Hall! The group will write a new song, practice virtually and in-person, and sing at City Hall again!
Teacher
Leigh Shipman
After growing up in Brazil with two Southern Baptist music missionary parents, soprano Leigh Shipman followed in their footsteps by attending Stetson University in Florida for her Bachelor of Music Education and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth for her Master of Music. Her solo career has included performances in opera, oratorio, musical theater, community and sacred concerts, recitals, and master classes throughout the United States, Brazil, England, Israel and Eastern Europe. At First Presbyterian Church of Houston, she has served during her entire Houston tenure as a soprano soloist/section leader in two adult choirs. She also directs the church’s Resound! 6th-12th grade youth choir. Leigh is in her seventh year at River Oaks Baptist School as the Middle School Music Teacher. Leigh has taught public school elementary music and has also directed church children’s choirs and handbell choirs through the years. She also served as a youth director in addition to directing several choirs in a Methodist church.
Teacher
Kari Mitchell
Kari Mitchell is starting her 23rd year in public education. She has taught 5th -8th grade choir for all 23 years. She mainly grew up in Deer Park, Texas and graduated from Deer Park High School. She then attended Hardin-Simmons University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Piano. She loves the challenge of teaching music theory and sight reading, as those specific musical entities are the foundation of learning music. She has also served at multiple local churches as pianist and/or worship leader since her time at Hardin-Simmons and has been profoundly influenced by church music, both traditional and contemporary. She currently serves at First Baptist Church Pasadena as pianist and music assistant. The most important people in her life are her two sons, Hunter and Ty. Hunter is currently a Trainer at Chic Fil A and is attending Point University. Chic Fil A has partnered with Point University specifically for their workers and pays for their entire college degree. My youngest son, Ty, is currently at Navy boot camp. He will be graduating this fall. He has committed to 8 years of service. My sons are my pride and joy. Children truly are an inheritance from the Lord.