First Colony
Homeschool
Ensembles
ABOUT US
First Colony Homeschool Ensembles was launched in January 1998 to provide homeschoolers the opportunity to experience artistry and to grow in musical skill and literacy. Our mission is to share God’s Word through music, nurture faith, build friendships, and inspire in children a joyful appreciation for the gifts of God, equipping them to make an impact on the world in which we live.
We further a homeschooler's education by performing hymns, classical selections, folk songs, and traditional music in multiple languages from many cultures. Our musicians connect with the world by experiencing songs from all manner of people.
We offer Treble Choir for grades 2-7, Jubilate Chorale for grades 7-12, and Handbells for grades 7-12. (Scroll down for ensemble details).
Come join our FCHE community! No audition necessary.
INSTRUCTORS
KIRSTEN BRENTS
Artistic Director and Director of the Jubilate Choir
Kirsten Brents is a passionate musician and dedicated educator with a strong foundation in both performance and teaching. A cum laude graduate of the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music, Kirsten earned her bachelor’s degree in music education with an all-level teaching certification. During her time at the University of Houston, she studied under the mentorship of renowned faculty members Dr. Betsy Cook Weber and Dr. Julie Derges, whose guidance helped shape her musical career.
Kirsten is the Communications Manager and a singer with the Casulana Women’s Choir of Houston, an ensemble that celebrates the female voice and its power to inspire and culturally enrich the lives of audience and participants through artistic and educational programs that present high-quality choral music. Her performance experience extends to the Houston Symphony Chorus, the University of Houston Concert Chorale, and the Moores Opera Center, among other prestigious groups.
In addition to her work as a performer, Kirsten is a dedicated church musician and currently serves as the Youth Choir Director at Saint Edith Stein Catholic Church, where she nurtures the musical talents of young voices. Before becoming a mother, she worked as an elementary music specialist at Fort Bend ISD, inspiring and teaching students the joys of music. Outside of her professional endeavors, Kirsten is a proud wife and mother to two young daughters. When she’s not singing, she enjoys baking, crafting, and indulging in her love for Mexican food.
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BETHANY STUARD
Director of the Treble Choir
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Bethany Green Stuard is a choral conductor, vocal performer, and music educator. Mrs. Stuard began and directed the highly successful choral program of Lovejoy High School for nine years, earning many Overall Outstanding trophies at both state and national choral festivals in addition being an Invited Choir at the 2013 Texas Music Educators' Association Convention. Mrs. Stuard received the Texas Choral Directors' Association "Young Director of Distinction" Award in 2012.
Mrs. Stuard holds a master’s degree in choral conducting from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and undergraduate degrees in music education and vocal performance from Texas Tech University.
Mrs. Stuard, who was herself homeschooled as a child, is currently a full-time homeschool mother to her young children, and she is thrilled to be a part of the First Colony Homeschool Ensemble. She remains active in the music community as a judge, clinician, and singer, leading clinics and conducting honor choir concerts in TMEA regions around the state. She particularly enjoys her work as a leader of choral professional development, presenting sessions on cultivating creativity, developing vocal technique by singing in foreign languages, and fostering team spirit in the choir classroom.
Mrs. Stuard lives in Katy, TX with her husband James and her children Vivian, Caleb, and Matthew.
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TRAVIS WORSHAM
Handbell Director, Accompanist
​William Travis Worsham directs the FCHE handbell ensembles and serves as the choral accompanist. He received his Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and his M.M. in Piano Pedagogy and Performance from Baylor University. Dr. Worsham is the organist at Sugar Land Baptist Church and has taught as an adjunct music instructor with colleges in the Houston area. He enjoys spending time with his lovely wife, Arica, and their beautiful son, Daniel.