The Thurman White Academy Advanced Choir has been under the direction of Athena Mertes since 2015. Thurman White Academy is a Performing Arts Magnet Middle School program that accepts students through a random lottery system. This 7th/8th grade ensemble consistently receives superior ratings at choral festivals and competitions. This diverse ensemble regularly performs as a guest choir with the Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society. Their virtual choir performance was selected to be featured at the 2022 Western Region ACDA Conference “Stories of the Pandemic” and they performed at the Western Region ACDA Conference in March of 2024.