Nicole McNeal
Director of Orchestras
Mrs. McNeal is beginning her eighth year of teaching music education in the Greater Houston area. She is going into her fourth year of teaching at Adams Junior High in Katy ISD. Mrs. McNeal grew up in Florida and ultimately moved to Oklahoma around the age of nine and was raised by her grandmother. Her grandmother was a violinist and was introduced to the violin around sixth grade. It wasn't until seventh grade Mrs. McNeal became very passionate about violin and her practice. In her senior year of high school, she performed a solo with her high school orchestra. She also performed in Tulsa Youth Symphony and was part of the OMEA All-State Orchestra for multiple years. Her discipline allowed her to attend college at Oklahoma City University. She became the first person in her family to receive a college degree. Her favorite part of college was being able to perform in chamber ensembles, piano trios, and string quartets.
Mrs. McNeal's passion for music pivoted to becoming a passion for teaching music to students. She knows the benefits of music education and its positive impacts on students' academic and cultural lives. Mrs. McNeal models and strives for her students to learn resilience, discipline, and teamwork under her tutelage.
Outside of teaching, Mrs. McNeal enjoys spending time with her band director husband, her two dogs, Bayleigh and Nova, and her tabby cat, Mandy. She also enjoys weight-training every day and pushing herself in the gym. She enjoys traveling and has a newfound love of hiking and being outdoors.
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Christopher Koter
Associate Director of Orchestras
Chris Koter, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to a family of teachers and musicians, earned his Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Duquesne University in 2014, graduating with honors. Trained in double bass by Jeff Mangone and Jeff Grubbs of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. He had the opportunity of moving to Houston, Texas where he worked for 9 years as Head Orchestra Director at South Houston Intermediate School, earning New Teacher of the Year in 2015 and multiple, consecutive Sweepstakes. He also performed with The Clearlake Symphony Orchestra, Galveston Symphony Orchestra and local churches. Besides playing bass and teaching he is an avid golfer, a Pittsburgh sports fan, and enjoys traveling with his wife and pets.