When the new choir director for grades nine through 12 stepped into her role this fall, she brought with her not just experience, but a deep-rooted love for all things music and the community built around it.
With six years under her belt and her seventh underway, choir director Ms. Casey LeVie has taught at powerhouse programs such as Duncanville, Keller Central and, most recently, Allen High School.
“The fine arts program at Allen was huge,” LeVie said. “We had around 800 kids in band and 450 in choir.”
Transitioning from other schools with larger choirs may make Carroll’s seem smaller, but LeVie sees something unique in the program.
“The talent is out the wazoo,” LeVie said. “It’s not just that, though. It’s that the students really want to do well at things, and they’ll do whatever it takes to get there.”
With that energy already in the room, she’s setting her sights high, especially for SLC, the school’s competitive show choir.
“What’s cool with SLC is we’ve seen that group go from just beginning show choir to, like, ‘Oh, we’re actually pretty good at this, ’” LeVie said. “With more rankings and more out-of-state competitions, we’re just really making SLC a great Texas show choir.”
Looking ahead, LeVie is interested in honoring traditions, like the pop show and winter concert, while also building new ones that strengthen the community.
“I think we want to look towards what we can bring in that will keep alumni coming back,” LeVie said. “So you’re not only here during your career, but you have something to look back on.”
LeVie herself often looks back on her years of experience with music.
“I loved my high school choir director,” LeVie said. “Music was just a really meaningful part of my life, which is what set me on the trajectory of studying music. Then, once I got my degree, I realized that you get to basically have built-in friendships in the music field.”
Knowing the value these memories and connections hold, LeVie hopes to create a space that students are excited to be in.
“For me, it’s about making sure every experience along the way is impactful and not only keeps students in choir, but makes other people want to join as well,” LeVie said.
LeVie’s years of experience have shaped her into the teacher she is today, as she looks forward to the upcoming year in choir.
“I’m super excited for where we’re going,” LeVie said. “I hope choir can be something people truly want to be a part of.”
