Meet the Directors. |
Matthew Perez
Matthew Perez has been part of the Cypress Falls High School faculty since 2012, where he began his teaching career after completing his student teaching on campus. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Lamar University and a Master’s degree in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University.
A native of the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD community, Mr. Perez was the first recipient of the Merry Marcotte Memorial Vocal Scholarship. Throughout his undergraduate and graduate studies, he honed his skills as a conductor, ensemble leader, and music researcher—culminating in a nationally recognized McNair Scholar project on choral rehearsal techniques.
In addition to his work in public education, Mr. Perez is the Director of the St. Paul’s Choral Scholars at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Houston. Under his leadership, the elite high school ensemble has toured both nationally and internationally, performing in cities such as Dallas, New York, Vienna, and Leipzig. The group has also presented at regional ACDA conferences, gaining recognition for its musical excellence and cultural engagement.
In 2022, Mr. Perez conducted the North Carolina Middle School All-State Choir, expanding his work with young vocalists to a national stage. He is an active member of ACDA, TCDA, and TMEA, and frequently serves as a guest clinician and conductor.
When not immersed in choral music, Mr. Perez enjoys traveling, attending live performances, and spending time with his large and lively extended family—including ten nieces and nephews!
Noah Ricciardelli
Noah Ricciardelli is super excited to be joining the Cypress Falls High School Faculty for his first 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.