Bandera High School student Alexander Martinez has been selected to the 2026 Association of Texas Small School Bands All-State Band, placing him among the top high school musicians in Texas.
Officials told the Bulletin that Martinez, an alto saxophonist, was chosen from a pool of more than 10,000 students who auditioned across 22 regions statewide.
Only 286 students ultimately earned all-state honors following region and area-level auditions The ATSSB All-State Bands will convene in San Antonio for rehearsals Feb. 11–14, culminating in public performances Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Henry B. González Convention Center.
The All-State Concert Band and All-State Symphonic Band will perform at 8:30 a.m. in the Lila Cockrell Theatre, while the All-State Jazz Ensemble will take the stage at 1 p.m. in the Convention Center’s Hemisfair Ballroom.
Randall D. Standridge will serve as clinician-conductor for the All-State Concert Band, which will premiere a new composition commissioned by ATSSB. Dr. Richard M. Heidel of the University of Iowa will conduct the All-State Symphonic Band, and Tito Carrillo of Texas State University will lead the All-State Jazz Ensemble, which will also premiere a commissioned work.
The son of Sabino and Yasmin Martinez of Bandera, Alexander is a member of the Bandera High School band under the direction of Joe Cortez III and studies privately with Leroy Esparza.
In addition to band, he is involved in the school’s tennis team and jazz band. Outside of school, Martinez enjoys crocheting and spending time with his family.
Alexander Martinez
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