About the directors

Sara Bishea is a passionate and enthusiastic performer and vocal instructor. A native Tennesseean, Mrs. Bishea is a summa cum laude graduate of the University of Memphis with a B.M. in Music Education with Choral Emphasis. At the University of Memphis, Mrs. Bishea was a member of University Singers, Chamber Chorus, and the coveted touring ensemble Sound Fuzion. During her time, she sang throughout the Southeastern United States, and also performed internationally in Germany, Austria, and China.

Mrs. Bishea received her Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2012. During her time at CU she served as the Assistant Director of the University Women’s Chorus. Additionally, she was the Director of Music at Mountain View United Methodist Church as well as a private voice instructor.

Mrs. Bishea moved to Houston in July of 2013 and has taught at Smith Middle School for the entirety of her time in Texas. She is dedicated to her craft, and loves the process of watching her students grow and succeed through their musical endeavors. In her spare time, Mrs. Bishea is an avid baseball fan and loves to cheer on the Houston Astros. She also enjoys cooking, being outdoors, staying active, and spending time with her wonderful husband, their adorable sons Archer (6) and Everett (3), and their fur baby (15 year old veteran kitty extraordinaire), Hazel Mae. 

Kimberly Burton is a professional singer and choir director. Born and raised in Texas, Ms. Burton graduated cum laude from Tarleton State University with a B.M. in Music Education. She performed with the Chamber Choir, Women’s Choir, and University Singers ensembles throughout her time there. During that time, she also sang at the local Methodist church.

Ms. Burton went on to receive her Master of Music in Music History and Literature from Texas State University. While there she presented poster and lecture presentations throughout Texas and Oklahoma through the College Music Society. She also taught middle school voice lessons in Leander ISD ending her time there with a studio of 25 students across three campuses.

Ms. Burton moved to Houston in 2015 and has taught in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD at Watkins Middle School, Dean Middle School, Aragon Middle School, and now Smith Middle School. She loves to sing and perform and brings that same joy to her students to encourage them to reach past their preconceived notions of their abilities. Ms. Burton loves to read, watch movies, binge watch TV, cross stitch, and paint. She is also in her second season performing with the Houston Symphony Chorus.