Shirley Thompson Carter
Founder and Executive Director
1962-2002

Shirley Thompson Carter
Founder and Executive Director
1962-2002

ABOUT US

Our Guiding Principles!

We offer a variety of programs and curriculum to help our girls grow in music, leadership, teamwork, and many more life skills for their future.

Inspiring young girls to reach their full potential through the power of music and global cultural exchange.

“Developing little girls’ lives through excellence of music.” – Shirley Carter, Founder

Excellence, Diversity, Empowerment, and Community.

These statements are brief and aligned with the purpose of the choir, focusing on empowerment, musical excellence, and global connection.

Meet Our Team

The Heart Behind the Texas Girls' Choir

Alissa Layne Trent

Executive Director

Holly Owen

Holly Owen

Assistant Director

Doremi Hejny

Music Staff

Chanel Hurd

Music Staff

Voices of Gratitude

Heartfelt Reflections from Our Choir Family

"Joining the Texas Girls Choir was the best decision I ever made. The friendships I formed and the lessons I learned have stayed with me throughout my life. The choir taught me discipline, teamwork, and the importance of striving for excellence. It's more than just singing—it's about becoming a confident, well-rounded individual.

Robart Marts

"Joining the Texas Girls Choir was the best decision I ever made. The friendships I formed and the lessons I learned have stayed with me throughout my life. The choir taught me discipline, teamwork, and the importance of striving for excellence. It's more than just singing—it's about becoming a confident, well-rounded individual.

July Robast

"Joining the Texas Girls Choir was the best decision I ever made. The friendships I formed and the lessons I learned have stayed with me throughout my life. The choir taught me discipline, teamwork, and the importance of striving for excellence. It's more than just singing—it's about becoming a confident, well-rounded individual.

Mark Stive

History

Legacy in Harmony

The Texas Girls' Choir was founded in 1962 by Shirley Thompson Carter with a belief that excellence of music would develop children's lives. The choir was started with just 16 girls, and at times has had over 250 active members across six choir levels and two Bell Choirs.
In 1973, the choir secured a permanent home on Camp Bowie Boulevard, with facilities including a concert hall, classrooms, and offices.
The choir has performed globally, including at Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, and the White House. They've visited over 55 countries, sharing music and fostering growth in young girls. The Texas Girls' Choir remains dedicated to empowering girls through music, leadership, and social programs, shaping future female leaders.

Shirley Thompson Carter
Founder and Executive Director
1962-2002

Shirley Thompson Carter, born on May 6, 1935, in Fort Worth, earned her music degree from Texas Christian University and studied at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Texas Woman's University. A former teacher and professional singer, she founded the Texas Girls' Choir in 1962 while serving as a director at the YWCA.

Her dedication to showcasing Texas youth's musical talent earned her national and international acclaim. Carter's accolades include Outstanding Woman of Fort Worth, Executive Woman of the Year, and induction into the Texas Women's Hall of Fame in 1999. She served as Executive Director until 2002.

Shirley Thompson Carter
Founder and Executive Director
1962-2002

Shirley Thompson Carter, born on May 6, 1935, in Fort Worth, earned her music degree from Texas Christian University and studied at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Texas Woman's University. A former teacher and professional singer, she founded the Texas Girls' Choir in 1962 while serving as a director at the YWCA.

Her dedication to showcasing Texas youth's musical talent earned her national and international acclaim. Carter's accolades include Outstanding Woman of Fort Worth, Executive Woman of the Year, and induction into the Texas Women's Hall of Fame in 1999. She served as Executive Director until 2002.

Debi Weir
Executive Director
2002-2015

Debi Weir was one of the choir's original 16 members in 1962, and sang with the choir for almost a decade. After graduating from Texas Wesleyan University, she became a teacher, and helped Shirley Carter with the choir in her spare time.

In 1980, she came back to the choir full time as the administrative assistant, a role she had for 22 years before becoming the Executive Director. She lived and breathed our mission of “Developing little girls' lives through excellence of music."

Debi Weir
Executive Director
2002-2015

Debi Weir was one of the choir's original 16 members in 1962, and sang with the choir for almost a decade. After graduating from Texas Wesleyan University, she became a teacher, and helped Shirley Carter with the choir in her spare time.

In 1980, she came back to the choir full time as the administrative assistant, a role she had for 22 years before becoming the Executive Director. She lived and breathed our mission of “Developing little girls' lives through excellence of music."