Celebrating Musical Excellence – Forestwood Middle Choir
In a monumental achievement for Forestwood Middle School, the Varsity Tenor Bass choir, known as Cantus, has received the exceptional honor of being selected to perform at the prestigious Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) convention in San Antonio in February 2026.
This marks the first time Forestwood has had an invited ensemble, a privilege that only two Tenor Bass middle school choirs from across the state secured out of more than 120 applicants. The honor comes after dedicated preparation from both the students and Forestwood’s choir director, Kateri Lavacek, whose passion is an inspiration not only to the young talent she teaches but to the community as a whole.
The rigorous selection process involved an evaluation of numerous factors, including the choir’s performance history, recordings from previous years, and a thoughtfully designed proposed performance program. Mrs. Lavacek credits the years of work from previous students and teachers who have elevated the choir’s status to this remarkable point. As the choir gears up for this once-in-a-lifetime experience, Mrs. Lavacek faces the unique challenges of managing the natural voice changes that occur during puberty, especially in a group of 33 seventh and eighth-grade boys.
With a keen understanding of their vocal development, she selects music and schedules rehearsals, ensuring that every singer is set up for success and ready to perform at his best during the convention. This strategic planning includes retaining 75% of the proposed pieces while also introducing new work from renowned composers, including a commission from Laura Farnell, an Arlington-based composer, music teacher and member of the TMEA. The choir will also sing several other performances leading up to the convention, including a special TMEA preview concert at the University of North Texas on February 1 alongside Flower Mound High School’s treble choir, Con Fuoco, which adds to their preparations and visibility within the community.
The Transformative Power of Music Education
With nearly two decades of music education under her belt, Mrs. Lavacek strives to make learning engaging and uplifting for her students. Her vision extends into the heart of music education and appreciation, and she has seen firsthand its transformative impact on young lives. Music education fosters deep connections and helps students navigate their identities during the critical middle school years. “The journey is the true reward,” she adds.
As they learn to explore creativity and expression through music, these students often find their place and purpose. She recounts her experiences with students who struggled academically but flourished musically, illustrating the profound effects of recognizing and nurturing individual talents.
“Fitting in is the opposite of belonging,” she shares, drawing from a Brené Brown quote that resonates with her philosophy. “Through music, I have seen students blossom and belong, where they are accepted for who they really are.”
Comprised of six choirs, Forestwood’s program aims to empower students through musical expression. One piece that particularly resonates is “Echoes of Hope,” which encourages and empowers us all to “speak our little word” of care, of love, and of hope to make the lives of those around us lighter, brighter, and sweeter. This programmatic approach not only seeks artistic excellence but also encourages students to discover their voices and critical thinking skills through music.
Mrs. Lavacek also introduces diverse musical pieces to her all-boys choir, ranging from a praise song in Latin to a haunting Hungarian lullaby, from Shakespeare’s cries to war to celebrating diversity through dance, all intended to spark curiosity and enrich their learning experience.
The Impact of Community Support
While the excitement of performing at TMEA convention is palpable, the school must contend with unexpected costs. Lavacek stresses the importance of making this experience affordable for all participants, but as the convention approaches, community support has become increasingly vital. Cantus has set up a fundraising campaign, with $13,000 left of their target goal. If you are interested in supporting their efforts, visit their website at ForestwoodChoir.com/sponsorships or contact Andrea Deeley at 972.571.7543 or via email at deeleyandrea@gmail.com.
Now more than ever, the choir needs the backing of the Flower Mound community. From attending concerts to sponsoring events, there are myriad ways to contribute to and celebrate this talented group of young men. Their journey to TMEA convention is not merely an achievement for Forestwood Middle School — it’s a testament to the power of community and the transformative role of music in shaping the next generation. With continued support from the community, there’s no limit to what these talented young musicians can achieve.
For more information, visit Forestwoodchoir.com.
