Meet the Directors. |
Matthew Perez
Matthew Perez is the head Choir Director at Cypress Falls High School in Houston, Texas, where he has been a part of the choral program’s continued tradition of excellence for over a decade. Under his leadership, Cypress Falls choirs have consistently earned top honors at UIL and choral festivals throughout the state. His expertise has also contributed to the success of three TMEA Choirs and one National ACDA Choir, and he was invited to conduct the 2021 NCMEA Junior High All-State Choir. A highly sought after clinician for both junior and senior high choirs, Matthew regularly shares his passion for music education with students and colleagues alike.
In addition to his work at Cypress Falls, Matthew serves as Director of the Choral Scholars at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, an ensemble of talented high school vocalists dedicated to musical excellence and service through music ministry. Under his leadership, the Choral Scholars have performed nationally and internationally, including an international tour to Austria in 2024, a performance tour to New York City in 2025, and a planned 2027 tour to the Baltics. The Choral Scholars were also selected as an invited choir for the 2026 Texas Choral Directors Association Convention.
Matthew earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Lamar University and his Master of Choral Conducting from Michigan State University, where he studied under renowned mentors David Rayl, Jonathan Reed, and Sandra Snow.
Matthew Perez is the head Choir Director at Cypress Falls High School in Houston, Texas, where he has been a part of the choral program’s continued tradition of excellence for over a decade. Under his leadership, Cypress Falls choirs have consistently earned top honors at UIL and choral festivals throughout the state. His expertise has also contributed to the success of three TMEA Choirs and one National ACDA Choir, and he was invited to conduct the 2021 NCMEA Junior High All-State Choir. A highly sought after clinician for both junior and senior high choirs, Matthew regularly shares his passion for music education with students and colleagues alike.
In addition to his work at Cypress Falls, Matthew serves as Director of the Choral Scholars at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, an ensemble of talented high school vocalists dedicated to musical excellence and service through music ministry. Under his leadership, the Choral Scholars have performed nationally and internationally, including an international tour to Austria in 2024, a performance tour to New York City in 2025, and a planned 2027 tour to the Baltics. The Choral Scholars were also selected as an invited choir for the 2026 Texas Choral Directors Association Convention.
Matthew earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Lamar University and his Master of Choral Conducting from Michigan State University, where he studied under renowned mentors David Rayl, Jonathan Reed, and Sandra Snow.
Noah Ricciardelli
Noah Ricciardelli is super excited to be returning to the Cypress Falls High School Faculty for his second year of teaching! He holds a Bachelor of Music Degree from Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, and completed his student teaching at San Marcos High School and DeZavala Elementary School.
While at Texas State University, Mr. Ricciardelli earned several awards and distinctions, such as The 2024 Undergraduate Conducting Competition Winner, 2025 Outstanding Secondary Music Education Student Teacher and the 2025 TMEA Collegiate Music Educator Award. Mr. Ricciardelli also sang with the Texas State Choral for six semesters at Texas State, performing with them at the the 2025 TMEA convention.
Mr. Ricciardelli likes to pass his time by playing video games, watching shows and spending time with his family.
Chanel Daniels
Raised in Cypress, Chanel Daniels is excited to be in her hometown to begin her first year of teaching at Cypress Falls High School! She received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baylor University, studying voice under Dr. Morgan Manifacier and choral conducting under Dr. Kristina MacMullen and Dr. Will McLean. She recently completed student teaching at Cypress Ranch High School and McGown Elementary School.
During her time at Baylor, Ms. Daniels has had the privilege of singing in multiple ensembles including the Baylor A Capella Choir and Baylor Bella Voce. She also held leadership positions for the Baylor University Music Educators Association and Baylor Bella Voce. She has received numerous awards, such as the TCDA Early Career Scholarship, TMEA 2026 Student Teacher Scholarship, TCDA 2025 Jackie Cocke Scholarship, TMEA 2025 Undergraduate General Scholarship, and Baylor University Dean's List.
During her summers, Ms. Daniels performs with the Suono Chamber Choir in Houston, TX. She currently holds active memberships in Texas Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, National Association for Music Education, and Texas Choral Directors Association.
Outside of the choir room, Ms. Daniels loves to hike, read, watch sports, bake, and take care of her plants!