Meet the Directors

Christian Clow is a dedicated music educator committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive choral community where students can excel, grow, and develop essential life skills through music.

Christian’s teaching journey began with the City of McAllen’s summer theater program, an experience that ignited his passion for education and shaped his teaching philosophy.

He earned a Bachelor of Music Education with K-12 certification from Texas State University, where he held various leadership roles and performed with the Texas State Opera and numerous university choirs. Notably, he served as a student director for the Texas State Men’s Choir-a role typically reserved for graduate students-and as the Fraternal Education Officer for the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia music fraternity.

After graduating, Christian began his teaching career at Copperas Cove Junior High, where he was honored as Rookie Teacher of the Year. During his tenure, he led the choir to multiple UIL sweepstakes ratings and nearly doubled the program's enrollment. He later served as the Assistant Choir Director at Glenn High School for two years, where he had the privilege of teaching the school’s first All-Stater.

Currently, Christian is entering his third year as the Head Choir Director at Leander High School. He is proud to have helped build a culture of excellence, witnessed the growth of the program, and celebrated his students' successes in competitions and performances across the state. Christian looks forward to another inspiring year alongside his students, dedicated colleagues, and the supportive administration team.

Francis José Nieves is a vivacious composer, conductor, and pedagogue known for his diverse artistic interests and his leadership in the fine arts. Born and raised in Fort Cavazos, Texas, Francis holds a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting, studying under world-renowned choral director and Grammy Award winner Dr. Craig Hella Johnson. Additionally, he holds his Bachelor of Music degree in Music Studies from Texas State University, studying under Brigette Bellini and Dr. Richard Novak. 

Francis is a Leggero tenor who specializes in early & sacred music, opera, and extended vocal technique. His performance credits include the 2025-2026 season for Austin Opera, as well past seasons, most notably in the role of Bobby Lembeck in The Manchurian Candidate. Other past credits include chorus for Verdi’s Requiem, Martinez’ Cruzar La Cara de la Luna, Bizet’s Carmen and Ruggiero’s Pagliacci with Austin Opera, Mollicone’s Lady Bird: The First Lady of the Land in the role of LBJ's Advisor for the opera’s world premiere, Don Curzio in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro, and chorus for Gilbert & Sullivan's HMS Pinafore. Francis was featured as a soloist in the 2018 Texas Music Educators Association Conference with the Texas State Chorale performing Considering Matthew Shepard under the direction of Dr. Craig Hella Johnson. 

Francis Nieves currently holds a position as Chorus Master with Gilbert & Sullivan Austin, Chorus with Austin Opera, and as Assistant Music Director with St. Mary’s Cathedral. He has performed with various ensembles such as: 

Austin Baroque Orchestra, Texas Early Music Project, Texas State Opera, Texas State Chorale, Texas State Men’s Chorus, University Singers, Aurora Voce, Conspirare Symphonic Chorus, Conspirare Children’s Choir, Voces Del Mar, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, and St. Mary’s Cathedral.