Beck Junior High Orchestra

Barb Nelsen

Barbara Nelsen is currently serving in her ninth year as the Director of Orchestras at Rodger and Ellen Beck Junior High in Katy ISD.

Earning her Bachelors in Music Education at The University of North Texas, she had the privilege of studying music from the great maestro Ansel Brusilow and cellist Carter Enyeart. Mrs. Nelsen has been actively involved in the music education field in the greater Houston area for over 20 years. Mrs. Nelsen’s orchestras have consistently earned state and national recognition. Under Mrs. Nelsen’s direction, the Beck Orchestra was prestigiously named 2018 Music For All National Orchestra She is in high-demand as a clinician and adjudicator throughout Texas.

Her summers are also filled with music, as a regular faculty member for Houston area summer music camps, she is looking forward to returning to AFA to conduct the prelude strings ensemble. Mrs. Nelsen holds memberships to the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Orchestra Directors Association, and Texas Music Adjudicators Association.

Though teaching and family keep her quite busy, Mrs. Nelsen is an active cellist and performs locally. She currently resides in Katy with her husband Brett, and two wonderful children, Ethan and Elliott Grace who are also all cellists.

Aimee Cho

Miss Cho joined the Beck Junior High Orchestra faculty team in the Fall of 2020. She is a native Texan who graduated summa cum laude from the University of North Texas with a full scholarship as a Terry Scholar. While at UNT, Miss Cho had the privilege of studying conducting under the baton of Clay Couturiaux and violin under the mentorship of Professor Felix Olschofka.

Before teaching at Beck, Aimee Cho taught at Morton Ranch High School in Katy ISD and was named Outstanding First Year Teacher of the Year. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and eating many different cuisines.