A new voice is coming to Pauls Valley Public Schools (PVPS) in August.
The district has hired Emmalyn McQueen to lead the vocal music program for grades four through 12, a program that has not been offered to older students for several years.
“Currently, we offer music only at the elementary site,” Pauls Valley Superintendent Brett Knight said. “This will be a revival of the vocal music program and substantially increase performing arts opportunities at Pauls Valley.”
McQueen, a 2018 graduate of Texas Tech University, brings six years of experience teaching in higher-level music education at schools including Abell Junior High in Midland, Texas, and Irving Middle School in Norman, Okla. She and her husband moved to Pauls Valley last year with their two young boys to be closer to family. Upon arrival, she learned that PVPS did not have a formal music education program.
“I started asking around, locally, for advice on how to start a choir program here and then, magically, a position opened,” she said. “I was elated. Vocal music education is important because it challenges the entire body to think and react. It is the only form of music education that takes aspects from every school subject … it quite literally makes you smarter.” McQueen’s interest in music started in junior high.
“I had a fantastic music teacher who got really excited and would stand on a chair and yell ‘That’s it! You did it!’” McQueen said. “We all thought it was outrageous, but in the best way, because it pushed us to want to be successful.”
She hopes to give her students the same experience.
“I hope to bring a sense of community to this program,” she said. “For many, this will be a brand-new experience, so it is important that we grow together as we make not only music, but memories.”
McQueen hopes her students remember how her class made them feel after graduation.
“We will have concerts, compete, travel, eat lots of food and have fun every day,” she said. “Oftentimes, the best of friends are made in choir class.”
Parents are also excited about the new program.
High School Librarian Alaina Chronister said the program opens new doors for her family.
“My child was very excited upon hearing the news of a new choir program,” she said. “As a kid that has loved singing and performing in Missoula [Children’s Theatre] every year, she is ecstatic about the thought of year-round performances.”
Knight said the district is committed to building a program that starts with access for every student, grows in strength each year and ultimately creates opportunities for long-term success both in and beyond the classroom. Hiring McQueen is a major step toward the goal.
“Anytime you are starting a new program, it is crucial to have the right staff involved,” he said.
“We were blessed to have Emmalyn living in our community, having her teaching certification, teaching experience and the willingness to serve our students. Vocal music will now be offered across all grade levels in Pauls Valley Schools.”
The revival of the vocal music program is a component of the Continuous Strategic Improvement (CSI) district planning process approved by the school board in March 2025.
Other objectives of the five-year CSI strategy include the following: Improving students’ mastery of core content, improving college and career readiness opportunities, a professional development plan that includes both required and optional learning experiences, community partnerships with parents, alumni, civic organizations, and others, increasing opportunities for input and engagement, improving infrastructure and technology and program expansion including offering soccer as a competitive sport and participating in Special Olympics.