Martin Sanchez has been the orchestra director at Ed White Middle School in the North East Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas since 2014. His ensembles have consistently earned Sweepstakes awards at UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluation, along with numerous Outstanding Festival and Best in Festival awards. In 2023, he was named Ed White Middle School Teacher of the Year.
Mr. Sanchez received his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2013. His primary instrument is the double bass, and he studied under Steven Zeserman. Prior to Ed White, he served as Assistant Director of the UTSA String Project. In 2012, he presented at the American String Teachers Association National Convention on best practices for String Project programs across the United States.
Since 2013, Mr. Sanchez has worked with YOSA as a Lead Teaching Artist for the YOSA MÁS Program, has been involved with the YOSA Summer Symphony Camp, and currently serves as conductor of Capriccio Strings. He remains active in music education advocacy and professional development, including serving as a panelist for “Broadening the Spectrum: The Role of the Orchestra Director in Increasing Diversity” and presenting at the 2025 Texas Orchestra Directors Association conference.
Mr. Sanchez is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association and the Texas Orchestra Directors Association.
Describe what personal qualities make you a good candidate for serving on the TODA Board and why you are interested in serving. Please include any prior experience in serving TODA in other capacities.
I believe I would be a strong candidate to serve on the TODA Board because of the experiences that have shaped me both personally and professionally. Not only I have served in North East ISD since 2014 as the Head Orchestra Director at Ed White Middle School. In addition, I have been heavily involved with the Youth Orchestras of San Antonio since 2013, where I began as the Lead Teaching Artist for their Music After School program. Currently, I serve as the Capriccio Strings Conductor with YOSA.
Both of these roles have taught me the importance of clear communication, accountability, collaboration, and building meaningful relationships within our profession. If selected to serve, it would be my priority to listen to and consider the needs of orchestra directors across our state while helping make decisions that support the continued growth and success of TODA and its members. I have also had opportunities to organize and lead in a variety of professional settings, including mentoring student teachers and observers, serving as a region orchestra organizer, and participating on a region orchestra clinician selection committee.
Being a lifelong learner is one of the reasons many of us continue to return to the TODA Convention each summer. I am interested in serving as Member at Large because I want to continue supporting TODA’s mission to encourage, educate, and advocate for orchestra directors across Texas, regardless of where they are in their teaching careers. I also believe I can bring valuable perspective as a middle school director and as someone representing the Central Texas region.
I have attended the TODA Convention nearly every summer since I was an undergraduate student. Over the years, I have served as a session presider, participated as a panelist for the session “Broadening the Spectrum: The Role of the Orchestra Director in Increasing Diversity,” and presented my own session last summer titled “Thriving Through the School Year in a Title I Campus.”
I am very excited for the opportunity to be considered for the Board of an organization that has positively impacted so many orchestra directors across our state, including myself.
What are the current challenges you see facing string education in Texas, and what would you do to address these as a member of the TODA Board?
One of the ongoing challenges facing string education in Texas is consistent funding and program support. Each year, many directors face uncertainty surrounding staffing and budgets. As a member of the TODA Board, I would continue advocating for the value of music education by highlighting its impact not only on student achievement, but also on students’ social, emotional, and personal development. Strong orchestra programs help build well-rounded students and stronger school communities.
What is your vision for TODA moving forward?
My vision for the TODA is to continue providing an accessible and welcoming space for orchestra educators to come together to strengthen their knowledge and grow professionally. I want TODA to remain a place where members can network, mentor one another, and build lasting relationships that support both personal and professional growth. Through those connections, we can continue sharing our passion for music and inspire the next generation of musicians.
