Chris Martinez

Chris Martinez is an Assistant Band Director at Fossil Ridge High School in Keller ISD, where he began his teaching career in 2021.

Originally from Tacoma, Washington, Mr. Martinez grew up in Seguin, TX. An alumni of Texas State University, he graduated summa cum laude with his Bachelors of Music in Music Studies (Music Education) 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. Additionally, he also performed in many ensembles including the TXST Symphonic Winds, TXST Concert Band, TXST Men’s Choir, and TXST Saxophone Quartets.

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.

Prior to his position at Fossil Ridge, Mr. Martinez completed his student teaching at Ronald Reagan High School and Barbara Bush Middle School (North East ISD). 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.

Mr. Martinez is a recipient of the Texas Music Educators Association Collegiate Music Educator Award, and is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, and the Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society.

When not teaching, Mr. Martinez loves watching movies, eating breakfast tacos, cooking, traveling, and spending time with his family and loved ones.