Chris Martinez

Originally from Tacoma, Washington, Mr. Martinez grew up in Seguin, TX. An alumnus of Texas State University, he graduated summa cum laude with his Bachelors of Music in Music Studies and studied saxophone with Dr. Brian Trittin and Dr. Todd Oxford. Some of his prominent teachers include Dr. John Denis, Dr. Jordan Stern, Dr. Caroline Beatty, and Dr. Kyle Glaser. While at Texas State, Mr. Martinez served as Saxophone Section Leader and Drum Major for the TXST Bobcat Marching Band, Principal Saxophonist of the TXST Wind Symphony, and President of the TXST Collegiate Texas Music Educators professional organization.
Outside of his collegiate performance experience, Mr. Martinez spent time competing in the Drum Corps International World Class circuit. During his time in DCI, Mr. Martinez served as a Drum Major for both Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps and the ten-time world champion Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps. Mr. Martinez has been active as an educator and clinician in the marching arts since 2018, and has worked on the staff of the nationally renowned James Bowie High School Outdoor Performing Ensemble (Austin ISD), Genesis Drum and Bugle Corps, and most recently, on the staff of the University of Texas at Arlington’s Drum Major Camp.
Prior to his appointment at Johnson, Mr. Martinez spent two years as an assistant band director at Fossil Ridge High School in Keller ISD. At Fossil Ridge, he directed the sub-non-varsity concert band, re-established and directed the Jazz Ensemble, taught AP Music Theory, assisted with the marching band, developed leadership curriculum and coordinated the student leadership team, and was responsible for many program wide logistical duties. The concert bands and marching band at Fossil Ridge experienced great success during Mr. Martinez’s tenure, earning many accolades in the UIL, TMEA, and BOA circuits. Mr. Martinez’s former students have gone on to serve as drum majors for world-class finalist drum corps, and to study music education and performance at universities including The University of North Texas, The University of Texas at Austin, Texas Christian University, and The University of Texas at Arlington. Mr. Martinez is an active member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and the Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society. When not teaching, Mr. Martinez loves watching movies, playing video games, trying new cuisines, traveling, and spending time with his family and loved ones.