Our Directors

 

Nicholas Likos

Head Director

Nicholas Likos is the Head Choir Director at Katy High School. Mr. Likos taught at Cy-Fair High School as the Head Director, Cypress Ranch High School as the Assistant Choir Director for six years, and Dekaney High School in Spring for two years before coming to Cy-Fair. Mr. Likos graduated from the University of Texas with high honors and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Studies. Mr. Likos is a sought-after clinician and adjudicator around the state of Texas, and he has consistently received UIL Sweepstakes and best-in-class festival awards during his career. Mr. Likos has presented staff development for several districts and clinics for various state conferences. Recently, Mr. Likos directed Cy-Fair Singers to win the 2019 American Classic Madrigal Festival. The group gave their honor concert performance entitled, “Thankful: A Way to Live Life” to the choirs who competed in the 2020 festival. Mr. Likos was also awarded Teacher of the Year at Cy-Fair High School for the 2019-20 school year.

Mr. Likos has served the Texas Music Educators Association convention in multiple capacities during his career. He has been an All-State Section Leader twice, the Vocal Division Facilities Manager, a clinic presenter on vocal modeling for the opposite gender, and a clinic presenter on utilizing technology in running a choir program. Mr. Likos enjoys giving back to the organization that provides so much advocacy to the teachers it serves. Mr. Likos also is a founding member of the Houston Men’s Choir. Mr. Likos also served on the Board of Directors for the Texas Choral Directors Association. Mr. Likos has presented several staff developments for various school districts across Texas. Mr. Likos’ professional affiliations include TMEA, TMAA, and TCDA. 

Mr. Likos is married to Kristin Likos, the Head Choir Director at Seven Lakes Junior High. Mr. and Mrs. Likos have two children: Grace and Luke.

 

True Hernandez

Associate Director

True Hernandez is the Associate Choir Director at Katy High School. Ms. Hernandez taught for 6 years at Cook Middle School (5 years as Head Director and 1 year as Assistant Director) and 1 year at Danish Elementary School before coming to Katy High School. Ms. Hernandez has consistently received numerous first division ratings at UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation, as well Outstanding in Class and superior ratings at various contests and festivals in the state of Texas. Ms. Hernandez’ most recent choral awards include being selected for Houston Chamber Choir's 2024 Hear the Future Concert, and a Mark of Excellence National Choral Honors National Winner in 2022 and 2023.

A product of Cy-Fair ISD, Ms. Hernandez began her choral music experience in middle school under the direction of Mica (Kolb) Bull; she continued into Jersey Village High School under the direction of Neena Taylor. Ms. Hernandez pursued a Bachelor of Music degree from Sam Houston State University, under the music education studies of Denise Eaton, graduating in 2016. Most recently, Ms. Hernandez earned her Master’s of Music Education degree from Texas Tech University in August of 2021, learning under Dr. Carolyn Cruse and Dr. Jacqueline Henninger. Her professional affiliations include ACDA, TMEA, TMAA, and TCDA. 

Ms. Hernandez was awarded Teacher of the Year of Cook Middle School for the 2023-2024 school year. She was nominated for the Texas Choral Directors Association (TCDA) Young Director of Distinction Award in 2022. While not teaching, Ms. Hernandez enjoys traveling when she is able, having visited 23 countries so far. Ms. Hernandez sings in groups around Houston, including Suono, Casulana Women’s Choir of Houston, and serves as a staff singer at Memorial Drive UMC.