Robert Martinez

Biography

Degrees

•  A.A., San Bernardino Valley College
• B.A., M.A., San Diego State University

About Robert

Roberto Martinez has enjoyed musical success as a conductor, composer, musician, performer, and educator. Among the names of artists that Roberto has conducted are flutist James Walker (formerly the principal of the LA Philharmonic), classical saxophonist Harvey Pattel, guitarist and multi Grammy Award winner Laurindo Almeida, and multi Grammy Award winner vocalist Alan Paul of the vocal group The Manhattan Transfer, soprano Miss Anya Matanovic of the Los Angeles Opera Company, Diva Jennifer Jones of the NY Metropolitan Opera Company, and Symphonic Rock Violinist Terry Glenny. Roberto is also a professor of Music at Bakersfield College, California since 1989. And from 1995 to the present the musical director and conductor of the Desert Community Orchestra of Ridgecrest, the founding music director of the Tehachapi Pops Orchestra, and is currently the Music Director and Conductor for violinist/composer Terry Glenny.

Mr. Martinez has enjoyed a professional career as a flutist, including nine years as principal flutist/co-director of the West Valley Symphony and the Tonkunstler Verein Woodwind Ensemble of Los Angeles. As a soloist, he has toured Mexico, performed for the United Nations, and appeared on NBC’s Today Show. He was also a conducting prodigy of Dr. Jon Robertson, UCLA from 1996-2000.

Conductor, composer, musician, performer, and educator.

As a graduate of San Diego State University with a Master’s degree in Music Composition (1975), Roberto Martinez has composed for commercial music, including the Harris’ Department Store chain and film music for Planned Parenthood.

The City of Bakersfield commissioned Mr. Martinez to write its official “All American City March”, and the Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce honored him with the Beautiful Bakersfield Award for the arts in 1992. In 1994 he received the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Developments’ Award for Teaching Excellence in Music at the University of Texas, Austin.

Mr. Martinez celebrated a world premier of his composition, “OF CLAY, WILL, AND DIVINITY”, March 15, 1998. This premier work (a symphonic overture) was for the commemoration of the Bakersfield Centennial, commissioned by the Bakersfield Symphony.

In November of 1998, The Arts Council of Kern awarded Roberto Martinez with their most prestigious award for excellence in musical arts (conducting, composition, and education).

Roberto was also honored as music director and conductor for a commemoration concert (10/23/01) honoring those who had fallen, and served in the “9/11” tragedy, in Los Angeles with an encore performance (10/11/04) in San Diego. The orchestra was comprised of members of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, The Yanni Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Guest artists included singer Miss Vann Johnson of the Yanni Orchestra, and singer Mr. Alan Paul of the vocal group The Manhattan Transfer, Diva Jennifer Jones of the NY Metropolitan Opera Co., and Violin Symphonic Rock sensation Terry Glenny. Mr. Martinez has become the Director/Conductor for the United World Festival Orchestra and Chorus 2007 to present.

Roberto Martinez has been inducted into the “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers”, for Music Education, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006 and the Cambridge Who’s Who Education Recognition 2007. Roberto has also received the award for outstanding achievements in performing arts and science by the national organization “Heritage of America”, Educational & Cultural Foundation (for arts and humanities), The Day of The Americas, 2004. Mr. Martinez also served as the President of the Kern County Music Association in 2004, The Conductor’s Guild, The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (The Grammy Awards), and the American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers (ASMAC).