Meet the ranch orchestra Faculty
Nicholas Leh BAker
Head Director of Orchestras at MRJH
Texas-born & raised conductor, Nicholas Leh Baker, is rapidly earning recognition as a dynamic conductor and dedicated teacher of the art of conducting. With extensive expertise in both standard and contemporary orchestral repertoire, he is known for his personable demeanor, unwavering work ethic, and deep commitment to nurturing every musician’s sense of accomplishment within the orchestral setting. Nicholas is passionate about fostering inclusive and inspiring musical experiences where performers have a thriving environment and audiences feel engaged, uplifted, and connected through the power of music.
Nicholas was recently awarded 3rd prize for the 2024 American Prize in Conducting. He has been praised for his conducting style, energy, and connection with the music. The Houston Chronicle has applauded Nicholas for his innovative programming, calling him “The Idea Man.”
Nicholas made conducting debuts with the Austin Symphony, the Lviv Philharmonic in Ukraine, the String Orchestra of Brooklyn (with guest violinist Giora Schmidt), and the Syzygy Contemporary Ensemble at the Meadows School of the Arts. He has previously worked with ensembles including Alia Musica Pittsburgh, Cabrillo Festival Orchestra, and served as Principal Guest Conductor with the Houston Symphonic Band. In 2009, Nicholas served as conductor-in-residence for The Foundation of Modern Music.
He currently serves as the Artistic Director of The Americas Cultural Youth Orchestra Festival, a head faculty member at The Lima Conducting Workshop in Lima, Peru, alongside Rafael Reyes, and the Festival Director and Chief Conductor of the Young Artists Music Festival in Texas. Additionally, he frequently assists and serves as a cover conductor for ensembles at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music and is the assistant conductor of The Houston Brass Band.
Currently serves as the Artistic Director of The Americas Cultural Youth Orchestra Festival and as head faculty at The Lima Conducting Workshop in Lima, Peru. Mr. Baker is the Festival Director and Chief Conductor of the Young Artists Music Festival in Texas. Additionally, he frequently assists and serves as a cover conductor for ensembles at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music and The Houston Brass Band.
Nicholas has actively participated in several masterclasses and distinguished festivals, most notably with world-renowned conducting teachers Marin Alsop and Gustav Meier, at the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music and the International Conducting Workshop and Festival in Bulgaria, the United States & Ukraine.….READ MORE
GAbriel Katz
Head Director of Orchestras at MRHS
Mr. Gabriel Katz has degrees in both music performance and music education. He worked as a professional musician in full-time orchestras in South Africa, China, Macau, Singapore, and all over the United States. While performing he also taught abroad at the Xinghai Conservatory of Music in China. His private teachers include: Hal Robinson (Principal Bass of the Philadelphia Orchestra), Tim Cobb (Principal Bass of the New York Philharmonic) and Jeff Turner (Principal Bass of the Pittsburgh Symphony).
He holds a Bachelors degree in double bass performance from the State University of New York at Purchase College, a Masters degree in double bass performance from Carnegie Mellon University, and Post Graduate diploma in Orchestral Performance from the Manhattan School of Music. He has held fellowships as Principal Bass of the National Repertory Orchestra (Breckenridge, CO), Pacific Music Festival (Sapporo, Japan), Music Academy of the West (Santa Barbara, CA), and toured Asia, Europe, Mexico and South America with the Verbier Festival Orchestra.
Mr. Katz earned a Post Baccalaureate Music Education Teaching Certification at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. During that time he was Contributing Faculty as Bass Professor at Dickinson College, a cutting edge liberal arts school in central Pennsylvania. He began his public school teaching career in Texas at Cypress Ranch High School in Cypress Fairbanks ISD as an Assistant Orchestra Director where he worked from 2014-2016.
Most recently Mr. Katz has performed with the Austin Symphony Orchestra, Louisiana Philharmonic, Artosphere Festival Orchestra and other Regional Texas Orchestras. He is also a bass clinician, guest clinician and conductor in and around Texas. He currently holds the Assistant Principal Bass chair with the Symphony of Southeast Texas in Beaumont.
Mr. Katz, enjoys working with the students and parents at MRHS! In addition, he loves living in the Katy community.
Antoinio ROCa
head Director of MAriachi at MRHS & MRJH
Mr. Antonio Roca was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. He holds a bachelors degree in International Marketing from Universidad Autonoma of Guadalajara and a Masters Degree in Voice Performance from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University. Mr. Roca taught at Martin Elementary and Elsik HS in Alief ISD for over 6 years, where he directed the first and only Mariachi program in the District. In addition to that he was an Orchestra, Choir, Band Assistant and Classical guitar ensemble Director.
Mr. Roca has also taught voice privately in Guadalajara, Houston, Dallas, Amarillo, Philadelphia, Cinco Ranch HS and Seven Lakes in Katy ISD. Mr. Roca directed the HSPVA and Meyerland Mariachi programs for over three years. In 2020 his Meyerland Varsity group obtained Superior Division 1 rate at the Houston Area level TAME Contest. In 2021 Competing with HSPVA Varsity group obtained superior Division 1 at the UIL State Mariachi and placed two times in the TAME State Contest with two different groups in 2022.
Mr. Roca has sung in Mexico, Italy, Israel, and USA with many fine Mariachis, Choirs and Opera Companies.
He enjoys nature, cooking, sports, such as outdoors running, playing soccer and traveling around the world with his wife Dalma.
Mr. Roca enjoys making music with young talent and strongly believes that it is a spiritual gift that makes a positive impact in the world and heals the soul.