Kris Ornelas is an award-winning educator, singer, composer, and keyboardist. He holds a B.A. degree in Choral Music Education from Cal State Fullerton, an M.M. in Choral Conducting from CSULA, and an M.S. in Philosophy from the University of Edinburgh.

Mr. Ornelas directs the Concert and Chamber Choir here at Rancho Pico. He is also the choir director at West Ranch High and of the Voices of the Canyons Community Choir and the vocal jazz ensemble at COC. His choral ensembles consistently earn top rankings and superior scores for their exceptional performances.

As a singer, Mr. Ornelas has performed with renowned artists such as Josh Groban, Andrea Bocelli, The Who, Debra Voigt, and M83 in venues such as The Hollywood Bowl, The Greek Theater, Carnegie Hall, Segerstrom Concert Hall, and The Walt Disney Concert Hall.

He has received several awards and recognitions both as a teacher and singer including the SCCEA Vocal Scholarship award (2009), the Gary Wright Memorial Scholarship (2012), the 1st place award for Solo Voice in the CSUF American Music Competition (2013), the "Outstanding Soloist" Award at the Reno Jazz Festival (2014), the Helen J. Walker "Future Educators" Scholarship award (2015), and the LAUSD Rookie Teacher of the Year Award (2018).

His hobbies include hiking, singing rock music, reading, composing, and hanging out with his amazing wife and newborn child!