Amarillo Sandie Choir

Carolyn Terrell has been the Head Director of Amarillo High School Choral Department since 2013, previously holding the position of Assistant Director from 1997-2001. Mrs. Terrell has music education experience at all levels: kindergarten through college. She has been a clinician for the various middle school All-Region ensembles in Region I several times and has judged Middle School UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest for many years. She served as the Alto I Section Leader for the Texas All-State Treble Choir in 2015, and currently serves as the Texas Music Educators Region I Chair. In 2009, Mrs. Terrell was selected as a Conductor for the Elementary division during the Texas Choral Directors Association convention. Mrs. Terrell holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Texas Tech University and a Master of Arts in Music with Kodály Emphasis from West Texas A&M University. Mrs. Terrell is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Choral Directors Association, and the Organization of American Kodály Educators. Mrs. Terrell directs the Bel Canto Chorale, Sandie Chorale, and the New Sound Singers show choir. She is married to Steve and they have three daughters, Kathryn, Abbie, and Susanna.

Larissa knew from an early age that she wanted to teach music. She began piano lessons at the age of 6, and taught her first student at age 12, but it was during her years at Borger High School that she fell in love with the choral arts and knew she wanted to direct. In addition to the camaraderie of a great choir experience, she has fond memories of UIL and All State competition as a student. Larissa is a graduate of Frank Phillips College and Texas Tech University, and also attended CFNI in Dallas where she taught vocal lessons in the music department. Larissa taught private voice and piano at her studio in Borger for over 10 years while concurrently helping her husband, John, with music ministry at their church. Larissa has directed elementary, middle school, high school, church, and chapter community choirs. It has been her great joy to see many of her students earn a space in the Texas All State Choirs. Larissa is the mother of three sons; Joseph, Jonathan, and Jeremiah. She is a member of TCDA and TMEA, and serves as chair elect for Region I Vocal Division. She has been a part of the choral arts program at Amarillo High since 2019, and looks forward to continuing its rich history for many years to come.