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Director of Orchestras
Director of Orchestras
Cameron Tesoro is an award-winning orchestra director with nearly a decade of experience and a proven record of excellence in secondary music education. His ensembles consistently earn Sweepstakes ratings at the Texas University Interscholastic League (UIL) Concert and Sightreading Evaluation, first-division ratings at regional and national festivals, and statewide recognition through their success in the Texas Honor Orchestra Competition. Under his leadership, students have earned numerous Outstanding Performance and Best Overall awards at prestigious festivals across Texas and the nation. Most recently, his orchestras have been invited to perform at Jones Hall and the Texas State Capitol.
As Director of Orchestras at his alma mater, Klein Forest High School, Mr. Tesoro established the school's Mariachi Program, an initiative supported by the prestigious Klein Education Foundation Grant. In addition to his work in public education, he serves as guest faculty for the Houston Conducting Academy and was recognized as a Klein ISD Distinguished Educator for the 2024–2025 school year.
Mr. Tesoro is an active member of the Texas Music Educators Association and the Texas Orchestra Directors Association. He also serves as sponsor of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and Texas Future Music Educators (TFME). Each year, he remains active throughout Texas as a clinician, conductor, and adjudicator.
Mr. Tesoro earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Sam Houston State University, where he served as concertmaster and was the winner of the Charles W. Jones III and David E. Payne Concerto Competition in violin performance. He also served as lead director of the Huntsville Youth Symphony. His conducting studies include work with Dr. Jacob Sustaita, Zachary Carrettin, and Jonathan Pasternak, while his violin studies were under Dr. Javier Pinell and Kenneth Goldsmith.
"What makes it all worthwhile is inspiring students to reach their fullest potential, both musically and personally. Witnessing the positive impact they have on the success of the program and the community is truly remarkable."
— Cameron Tesoro
Assistant Director of Orchestras
Assistant Director of Orchestras
Michael Casagrande grew up in Spring, TX and started his study of double bass at Klein Oak High School in Klein ISD. He discovered his passion for music at an early age and implemented it to help his community by organizing and leading an instrument drive for his Eagle Scout project, leading the Klein ISD cluster of Texas Future Music Educators as President, and excelling in music by earning chairs in both All-Region and All-State Orchestras. Mr. Casagrande has studied privately with renowned bassists Ron White, Lex Valk, Steve Martin, and Deborah Dunham.
Mr. Casagrande received his Associate of Arts from Lonestar College, where he performed with the Lonestar Tomball Choir and Orchestra and earned the Outstanding Leadership award. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Sam Houston State University where he performed with the SHSU Symphony Orchestra, SHSU Men’s Choir, and SHSU Wind Ensemble. Prior to teaching at Klein High, Mr. Casagrande taught at Grand Oaks High School as the Assistant Orchestra Director for three years. He has taken many orchestras to both String and Full Orchestra UIL Concert and Sightreading and received numerous UIL Sweepstakes awards.
Mr. Casagrande is an active member of the Texas Music Educators Association and Texas Orchestra Directors Association. Outside of the classroom, he enjoys cooking, playing video games, and spending time with his wife, Tanya and his two dogs, Maya and Ziggy.
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