Joaquin Franco, Cello

Joaquin is 16 years old and is a junior at Morton Ranch High School. He plays the cello in the school’s Sinfonia Varsity Orchestra, directed by Mr. Katz. Joaquin began playing the cello at the age of three at the Conservatory of Music in Cinco Ranch. When he was around five or six years old, he transitioned to the Suzuki Academy, where he studied with his first teacher, Ms. Qiu. He is currently working with Ms. Wendy Butler of the Houston Ballet and Grand Opera. Recently, he performed at the Summer 2025 Latin Cello Camp as a soloist and in a duet. He has been a part of various competitions since then, like All Region, KYAC, and Solo & Ensemble. In his free time, Joaquin enjoys playing games, working out, and spending time with his girlfriend, pets, and family. He is currently teaching lessons to one student at his school and instructs four other cellists in the Nucleus Orchestral Program. Joaquin loves to travel and explore new places, but his favorite destination is Colorado because he enjoys the snow.