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.
​
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.​
​
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.
​
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.
​
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.
​
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.
​
Mr. Collin Beavers
Collin Beavers is currently entering his eighth year teaching and first year at Kranz Junior High. Mr. Beavers is the teacher of record of the Symphonic Band, Beginning Percussion, and Beginning Saxophone as well as assisting with Beginning Clarinet and Jazz Band. Prior to Kranz Junior High, he was the Assistant Director of Bands at Ronald Thornton Middle School in Fort Bend ISD and Angleton Junior High. Bands under his direction have received multiple UIL Sweepstakes Awards and performed in numerous competitions in both the Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth area. In 2023, Mr. Beavers was a guest conductor for the Ronald Thornton Middle School Honors Band at the Music For All National Concert Band Festival.
Mr. Beavers is a proud graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington with a degree in Music. While at UT-Arlington, he studied Saxophone Performance and Conducting with Tim Ishii, Michael Morrison, Chris McGuie and Dr. Douglas Stotter, respectively. He was an active member of the Maverick Marching Band, MavBrass Basketball Band, UT-Arlington Saxophone Ensemble, and served as the Principal Saxophonist of the Symphonic Winds. Mr. Beavers was also a member of the 2015 Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps on mellophone, and has served as a marching technician for the Keller Central and Richland High School Bands.
Mr. Beavers has served many leadership roles both at the local, state, and national levels. He has served as a Regional Representative and Mentor for the Young Band Directors of Texas, an organization dedicated to assist and support new band directors entering their first few years of teaching across the state of Texas. Additionally, he is an active member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia National Music Fraternity. Mr. Beavers also regularly performs in local groups such as the Sugar Land Winds and the Brazoria Wind Symphony.
As a proud native of Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston “convert”, Mr. Beavers is a fan of the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros. He enjoys using his free time to work out and stay active, as well as explore Japanese anime and the local food and coffee scene.Mr. Beavers is thrilled to be a member of the Kranz Junior High Band Program!
cbeavers@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.
​
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.
​
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.
​
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.