The middle school years represent a critical “middle age” that can determine whether a student becomes a lifelong musician or stops singing forever. To ensure students are still singing into adulthood, we must empower them to master their changing voice. This session provides a practical roadmap for guiding students through the adolescent voice change with confidence and camaraderie. Participants will gain specific pedagogical tools, including register navigation and pitch-matching strategies designed for transitioning voices. We will also discuss range-appropriate repertoire that keeps students engaged in choral music. By combining technical mastery with a rehearsal atmosphere rooted in enjoyment and excellence, we can bridge the gap from childhood singing to a lifetime of adult artistry.
A New Age: Empowering the Changing Voice for the Future
Melody Villegas
Melody Villegas has been the director of choirs at A.C. New Middle School since 2015. Under her direction, the Knight Choir has tripled in size with a tenfold increase in tenor-bass singers. The A.C. New Tenor-Bass Choir performed at TMEA as an invited choir in 2023 and a demonstration choir in 2026. Villegas has served as the TMEA Region 3 Middle School Vocal Division Coordinator and has been named both Teacher of the Year and Mesquite ISD Outstanding Mentor. She is an active clinician and judge, and holds professional affiliations with TMEA, TMAA, TCDA, and ACDA. She is the co-author of Habits of a Successful Middle School Choir Director, published by GIA Publications. Before teaching in Mesquite ISD, Villegas taught at Ted Polk Middle School in Carrollton, TX, after graduating from the University of North Texas in 2009.
