KRANZBAND
Directors
Mr. Kelby Koch
kkoch@dickinsonisd.org
281-309-3633
Kelby Koch is embarking on his tenth year of teaching, all within Dickinson ISD. His journey began in 2016 when he joined McAdams Junior High. Shortly after, in 2018, Mr. Koch was selected as the first director of bands to open Kranz Junior High. Now in his eighth year at Kranz, he oversees the Honors Band, Kranz Jazz Band, beginner brass classes, and provides support to all other performing groups and beginner classes.
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In 2012, Mr. Koch earned his Bachelor of Music degree in trumpet performance from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, where he studied under the guidance of renowned professors Edmund Cord and Anthony Plog. Subsequently, he pursued further studies with Robert Walp of the Houston Symphony, deepening his expertise from 2012-2016. During this time, Mr. Koch cultivated a thriving private lesson studio, where his students have achieved notable success in various solo competitions and All-State. Many of his students have also performed or won jobs with prestigious ensembles such as the National Youth Orchestra of America, Honor Orchestra of America, Jazz Band of America, United States Air Force Band, Houston Ballet, and Houston Symphony.​
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Mr. Koch's musical journey is deeply rooted in his family's legacy of musical excellence. His father, Jim Koch, a distinguished band director enshrined in the Texas Band Directors Hall of Fame, imparted invaluable musical wisdom during his tenure at Brazoswood High School. Kelby acknowledges his parents' pivotal role, particularly his father's influence, in shaping his and his brother Kelton’s musical trajectory. Kelton, now a trombonist with the esteemed Vienna Philharmonic. The support and guidance provided by his parents paved the way for Mr. Koch to access world-class instruction from renowned brass teachers, laying the foundation for his current achievements.
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Mr. Koch is an active professional musician in the Houston area, showcasing his versatility across classical and jazz genres. He is a distinguished member of several prominent ensembles including the Magnolia City Brass Band, Danny Ray Atlantic Street Band, Royal Dukes Band, Brazosport Jazz Orchestra, and Brazosport Big Band.
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Mr. Koch has a track record of excellence with his bands, consistently earning top honors such as UIL Sweepstakes ratings, unanimous first division ratings, Best In Class, and Overall Outstanding Band awards at various state festivals. Since the school began entering in 2021, the Kranz program has been recognized as a National Wind Band Honors Class AA winner. In 2023, the Kranz Junior High School Band achieved remarkable success, securing 1st place in State preliminaries and finishing 6th in the TMEA Class CCC Honor Band State Finals. Moreover, in 2024, the Honors Band under Mr. Koch's direction was selected to perform at the prestigious Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic.
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Mr. Koch is driven by his passion for music, striving to inspire students to achieve their best. He's grateful for the support of his family, mentors, and students, who continue to motivate him every day.
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Mr. Juan Castillo Inocencio
Juan Castillo is currently in his seventh year of teaching at Kranz Jr. High, where he is responsible for the Symphonic Band and assists with all other performing ensembles, in addition to teaching beginner classes in Clarinet, Saxophone, and Percussion within Dickinson ISD.
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Mr. Castillo holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Sam Houston State University, where he studied under Dr. Patricia Card and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2017. While at Sam Houston, he served as the principal clarinetist of the Wind Ensemble under Dr. Matthew McInturf. He was also a member of the Bearkat Marching Band for three years, serving as a music tech for two years, and played in the Symphony Orchestra. Prior to his position at Kranz, Mr. Castillo taught private lessons in Huntsville ISD and Dickinson ISD, instructing students at all levels from 6th to 12th grade.
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Mr. Castillo began his teaching career at Kranz, where his ensembles have consistently earned top honors, including Sweepstakes ratings and Best in Class at multiple festivals.
His professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association and the Texas Bandmasters Association.
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Mr. Castillo resides in League City and continues to perform as a clarinetist and saxophonist in the Houston area, participating in community bands, jazz ensembles, and chamber groups. Some of these groups include the Galveston Beach Band, where he doubles on baritone saxophone and clarinet, and the College of the Mainland Jazz Ensemble, where he plays baritone saxophone. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, playing pickleball, soccer, and weightlifting. He is grateful for his colleagues and the mentors who have significantly impacted his life and teaching career.
jcastilloinocencio@dickinsonisd.org
281-309-3632
Ms. Britleigh Nettuno
Britleigh Nettuno is currently in her fourth year as a band director, and in her third year at Kranz Junior High School. Ms. Nettuno conducts the Concert Band, assists with both the Symphonic and Honor band, and is the Beginning Instructor for Flute, Double Reeds, and Clarinet.
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Prior to teaching in Dickinson ISD, Ms. Nettuno taught private lessons across several school districts, including Huntsville, Willis, Angleton, and Dickinson ISD, where she worked with students from 6th to 12th grade. Her band director career began at Lobit Middle School in Dickinson, Texas, where she served as the Assistant Band Director from 2022 to 2023, focusing on beginning classes for Flute, Double Reeds, Clarinet, and Saxophone. In 2023, she joined the dedicated team at Kranz Junior High School.
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Ms. Nettuno earned her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Sam Houston State University, graduating Cum Laude in 2020. During her time at Sam Houston, she studied clarinet under Dr. Patricia Card and took on leadership roles in various ensembles. She served as principal clarinetist for the Symphonic Band in 2016-2017, music tech for the Bearkat Marching Band during the 2018-2019 season, and was a part of the Wind Ensemble led by Dr. Matthew McInturf.
Professionally, Ms. Nettuno is affiliated with the Texas Music Educators Association and The Texas Bandmasters Association.
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Mrs. Nettuno currently lives in League City where she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her dog, Apollo. She is immensely grateful for the support of her family, friends, and mentors, who have been instrumental in her development as both an educator and a musician.