November 2025 - Laura Taylor, KIPP SHARP College Prep

Laura Taylor is the founding director of the KIPP SHARP Singers, a performance choir comprised of fourth and fifth graders from KIPP SHARP College Prep Lower School in Houston, Texas.   The choir performs diverse music outside the classroom to a wide range of public audiences.  Working with a variety of community partners the choir offers students possibilities to engage in the world beyond their neighborhood.  

Under Ms. Taylor’s direction the choir has performed in Carnegie Hall, the United States Capitol, Georgetown University, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, The Music Center at Strathmore, the Texas State Capitol, The University of Texas at Austin, Roundtop Festival Hill, Jones Hall, Hobby Center, Wortham Theater, The Centrum and Rice University.  In addition, the choir has enjoyed singing our National Anthem at Texans and Dynamo games for several years as well as participating numerous times in the annual City of Houston Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony at City Hall and performing at many galas and community events around the greater area of Houston.

KIPP SHARP is a Title I school in the Gulfton/Sharpstown area of Houston.  KIPP Texas Public Schools is a nonprofit public charter school network, dedicated to preparing students in educationally underserved communities for college success and choice-filled lives. 

As the general music teacher for grades Kinder - fifth grade Ms. Taylor provides a challenging music curriculum that connects music to the world around her students.  As an advocate for her students, Ms. Taylor arranges partnerships with both private and public schools to further enhance her students’ musical education through peer mentoring, workshops and combined performances. 

In addition, Ms. Taylor organizes field trips to professional performances such as the Houston Symphony, Houston Grand Opera, Theater Under the Stars and Miller Outdoor Theater to provide additional musical experiences for her students.  Ms. Taylor has worked with many KIPP teachers across the state of Texas to support and enrich opportunities and curriculum for her students and maintains ongoing relationships with non-profit organizations to further support her students’ classroom needs. 

“I believe all children will and can learn if given the opportunity and the support they need.  Music is an integral part of educating the whole child.  Keep listening, singing and moving to your beat!”