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 Ryan Simpson, Director

Ryan Simpson is in his 4th year teaching, as he previously spent 3 years in Klein ISD before moving to Pearland. Ryan has a BFA in Theatre Education from the University of Houston. During his time at UH he helped with College Recruitment, Administrated an After-School Program, and taught workshops at Thespian Festival and TxETA. Ryan has also worked as a teaching artist with the Alley Theatre’s Playmaker’s camp, and with TUTS and the Tommy Tune Awards as a school ambassador. Ryan’s foremost goal for this upcoming school year is to equip his students with the tools needed to excel onstage. He is looking forward to seeing his students succeed, and laying the foundation for PHS to be a force within the Educational theatre realm. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his cat, friends, and family to unwind.

  Michael Kessler, Music Director

Michael Kessler graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Houston's Moores School of Music in 2011. While there, he was an active member of Concert Chorale under the direction of Dr. Betsy Cook Weber. He served as Bass Section Leader and later became Student Director. He performed at the 2008 TMEA Convention and was also a travelling member when they competed in Wales, UK at the Llangollen Eisteddfodd in 2009 and Tours, France at the Florilège Vocal de Tours in 2011. He also performed in many opera productions with the Moores Opera Center including an appearance as Il Commendatore in Mozart’s Don Giovanni.

After graduating, Michael served as the Assistant Choir Director at Clear Brook High School for 5 years. In 2016, he accepted the position as Head Choir Director Pearland High School. His choirs receive consistent superior ratings at UIL Concert and Sightreading. They are also routinely among the top finishers at state and national choir festivals. Most recently, they placed as the first runner up at the American Classic North Texas Madrigal and Chamber Choir Festival and the Best in Festival at Festival Disney in Orlando, FL.

Outside of his teaching career, Michael remains active as a singer in the Houston community. He has been the bass soloist for performances of Faure’s Requiem,  Handel’s Messiah, Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, Schumann’s Pilgrimage of the Rose, and the world premiere of Gabriela Lena Frank’s Requiem where he performed with the Houston Symphony. Michael also works as a freelance singer for various organizations throughout the Houston area often performing as a soloist or section leader.