Emma Wade - Director of Bands
Emma Wade serves as the Director of Bands at Morton Ranch High School, where she has been an integral part of the music program since 2019. She began her career at Morton Ranch as an Associate Director of Bands and was later appointed Director of Bands in 2024, bringing her energy and passion for music education to the forefront of the program’s continued growth and success.
A proud graduate of Mayde Creek High School, Emma went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Sam Houston State University in 2019. She furthered her education with a Master’s Degree in Music Education from Texas Tech University in 2023, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning and professional excellence.
Emma’s performance background includes the SHSU Jazz Band, SHSU Basketball Band, SHSU Symphonic and Concert. Her marching experience includes The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps in 2013, an experience that deepened her love for the marching arts and ensemble performance. She continues to share that passion today as a regular performer with the Lone Star Symphonic Band, a Houston-area community ensemble.
She is an active member of several professional organizations, including Sigma Alpha Iota, the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), the Texas Bandmasters Association (TBA), and Women Band Directors International (WBDI). Through these affiliations, Emma remains engaged with the broader music education community, always seeking to grow as an educator and leader.
Outside of her professional life, Emma enjoys staying active through Peloton cycling and running. She also loves reading, solving puzzles, and spending time with her dog, Cal.
Venerson Villanueva - Assistant Band Director
Venerson Villanueva is the Assistant Director of Bands at Morton Ranch High School. Prior to joining the Morton Ranch team, he served as Assistant Director of Bands at Davis High School and Moorhead Junior High School, where he contributed to student success and helped strengthen the band programs at both campuses.
A proud Houston native, Mr. Villanueva earned his bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Baylor University. While at Baylor, he served on the staff of the Golden Wave Band and was an undergraduate conductor with the Central Texas Youth Wind Ensemble. His involvement in music education extends beyond the classroom, including work as a visual technician with the Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps and a conducting participant in the Art of Rehearsing and Conducting Workshop hosted by the Texas Bandmasters Association. He is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and the National Flute Association.
As a performer, Mr. Villanueva has played with several distinguished ensembles, including the Baylor Wind Ensemble, Baylor Symphony Orchestra, and the World Youth Wind Orchestra Project in Schladming, Austria. He currently performs with The Wind Project and regularly substitutes with the Texas Medical Center Orchestra, staying active in the professional music scene.
Mr. Villanueva is passionate about using music education to foster meaningful life skills. He believes music provides a powerful platform for students to develop teamwork, discipline, empathy, and personal growth. Outside the classroom, he enjoys playing video games, working out, and spending time outdoors with his husband and their dog, Summer.
Mario Leal - Assistant Band Director - Percussion
Mario Leal is from Houston Texas, he obtained his Bachelors in Music Education, with a focus in Percussion Studies at the University of Houston.
As a performer, Mario has played with the Corpus Christi Youth Orchestra, the Rising Philharmonics Orchestra, AFA, Virtuosi of Houston, Moore’s Percussion Ensemble 1 & 2, and Monarch Independent in 2022.
As an Educator, Mario finished his first year as a band director at Jersey Village HS in 2024-2025 and has worked as a Tech, Coordinator, Consultant, and Clinician with over 10 ensembles in the Houston area, while also accumulating consistent TCGC medals from 2013-2020 as both a performer and instructor.
Selena Diaz - Color Guard Director
Selena has always had a passion for dance, which naturally led her to discover color guard in 2016 as a member of the Klein Oak High School program. From the very beginning, she fell in love with the art of movement, expression, and the strong sense of community that comes with being part of a team.
After graduating, Selena returned to Klein Oak as a technician, where she discovered her love for teaching and mentoring students. In 2020, she relocated to Virginia with her husband, Isaiah, who was serving in the U.S. Navy. While living there, she served as the Assistant Color Guard Director at Ocean Lakes High School, continuing to grow as both an educator and choreographer.
Upon returning to Texas, Selena joined the staff at Klein High School as a choreographer and technician. She also brings performance experience from Undaunted Independent, which has further shaped her approach to teaching and design.
Outside of color guard, Selena enjoys baking and decorating cakes—a creative hobby she’s just as passionate about. She’s also a proud animal lover and enjoys spending time outdoors with her two dogs, Nugget and Petunia.