Our Team
The Melissa Choir Staff is a passionate team of educators dedicated to developing confident singers while teaching life skills through excellence, collaboration, and a student-first approach.
Katie Patel
Melissa ISD Director of Choral Activities
214-386-2380 Office214
Melissa ISD is proud to welcome Katie Patel as Head Director of Choirs at Melissa High School. With 12 years of experience and a proven record of excellence, Mrs. Patel brings a passion for student growth and high-quality choral instruction to the Melissa Choir program.
Most recently, Mrs. Patel served as Head Choir Director at Jasper High School in Plano ISD, where she was named the 2025–2026 Teacher of the Year. During her tenure, she grew the choir program from 111 students to a projected 294 students, reflecting a strong culture of student engagement and program success. Her ensembles consistently earned superior ratings at UIL, and her students were actively involved in the TMEA All-State process and in solo and ensemble events. Under her leadership, the Non-Varsity A Cappella Mixed Choir was selected as a 2025 Invited Honor Choir at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention, one of the highest honors in Texas choral music.
Mrs. Patel is an active leader in the North Texas choral community, having served as an assistant conductor with the Children’s Chorus of Greater Dallas and currently as Principal Conductor of the Treble Youth Chorus with the Greater Dallas Choral Society. She is also a recipient of the Texas Choral Directors Association’s Young Director of Distinction award.
Patel holds both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music from Texas Tech University. She resides in McKinney with her husband, Neal, Head Director of Choirs at Highland Park High School, and their son, Dylan. They are excited to welcome their daughter, Drew, this summer.
Marissa Martin has been a part of Melissa ISD Choirs for 3 years. During this time, her ensembles have experienced significant growth, achieved stellar scores at UIL, and consistently had students make the All-Region choir.
Originally from Mansfield, Texas, Mrs. Martin's journey with choir began in 5th grade and has been marked by a consistent pursuit of excellence. Throughout her time in MISD schools, she sang in ensembles that earned numerous awards, recognitions, and superior contest ratings. She continued her choral journey at Stephen F. Austin State University, where she graduated in 2023 with a degree in music education. While there, she performed with ensembles that performed at events such as the Southwestern American Choral Directors Association Convention and the Texas Music Educators Association Convention.
Beyond her professional role, Mrs. Martin and her husband have enjoyed becoming part of the local community and love spending time with their dog, Willow! Music has been a lifelong passion for Mrs. Martin, and she is honored to inspire and cultivate that same passion in her students every day!
Cody Alarcon is thrilled to be joining the Melissa ISD Fine Arts family. He recently concluded his tenth year in education and sixth year as Associate Director of Choirs at Jasper High School in the Plano Independent School District. Mr. Alarcon has previously taught at Creekview High School in Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District, Heritage High School in Frisco Independent School District, Wilson and Robinson Middle Schools in Plano Independent School District, and Hillwood Middle School in Keller Independent School District.
For the past fourteen summers, Cody has served as Assistant Camp Director and Registrar for the University of North Texas Summer Music Programs, including the All-State Choir Camp and Middle School Choir Camp. He currently leads the Children’s Choir and serves as Baritone Section Leader at Preston Meadow Lutheran Church. Prior to his work at Preston Meadow, Mr. Alarcon directed the adult chamber choir at First Frisco United Methodist Church from 2011 to 2018.
A proud graduate of the University of North Texas, Cody earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education, graduating magna cum laude in 2015. He is an active member of Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Choral Directors Association, and American Choral Directors Association.
Mr. Alarcon resides in Little Elm, Texas, with his cat, Loki. On weekends, you’ll likely find him cheering on his nephews, Oliver and Arthur, at soccer games or swim meets. He values traveling the world, experiencing new cultures, cooking, and spending meaningful time with family.
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