Cypress Park High School Choir Teacher Reflects on Grammy Win
By Maima Swarry, Cypress Park High School (A High School Journalism Network collaboration)
Cypress Park High School choir director Kammi Estelle, along with the Houston Chamber Choir, won their first Grammy at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in 2020 for “Best Choral performance” for the recording ofDuruflé: Complete Choral Works.
Estelle’s 17 years of experience with the Houston Chamber Choir led her talent to be recognized and also brought choral music to an international level. For her students, they have much to learn from her experience and dedication.
“The advice that I would give is to stay with it,” Estelle said. “Hard work is worth it and always pays off.”
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When recording the album, she knew it was special, but she never thought it would win a Grammy.
“When we recorded the Duruflé album, we knew that it was something special,” Estelle said. “We were just glad that the music world saw it the same way. I knew that there were categories for classical music and choral music at the Grammys, but never thought that we would be nominated, much less win!”
“It is absolutely amazing to know that our choir teacher has a Grammy,” said Jaylin Cahee, Cypress Park choir student. “It just really shows that we are being taught in the best way possible.”
Source: CFISD
