Jose Sanchez is in his 14th year of band directing in the Central Texas area. He is in his 7th year at Gatesville ISD, serving as Director of Bands and Fine Arts Coordinator. While at Gatesville, his bands have earned 6 consecutive Sweepstakes awards, and have advanced numerous students to state-level contests. In 2019, Mr. Sanchez was awarded the position of Fine Arts Coordinator for Gatesville ISD, where he oversees all yearly budgetary approvals for secondary fine arts, cheer, and dance. Mr. Sanchez actively serves ATSSB Region 8 and has held the role of Band Organizer for the Junior High Combined Band since 2018. Prior to 2016, he served as High School Assistant Director and Marching Band Director at Robinson High School, Director of Bands at Wortham ISD, and Assistant Band Director at Rosebud-Lott ISD.

While at Robinson, Mr. Sanchez led the Pride of the Blue to a State Marching Band Contest appearance, in addition to earning the title of TMEA 3A State Honor Band. As Director of Bands at Wortham ISD, his bands earned superior ratings and also earned second place in the State OPS Contest in the March category. Mr. Sanchez is an active clinician and adjudicator.

Mr. Sanchez has been happily married to his wife Alexa Sanchez, band director at Midway ISD, since July 2015. In August 2020 they welcomed their twin children Eleanor and Jonah Sanchez to their family. In his free time, Mr. Sanchez loves to spend time with his family and their two dogs Waffles and Maple.

Victor Garza is beginning his eighth year teaching, fifth at Gatesville ISD and serves as the Associate Director of Bands. Ensembles under Mr. Garza’s direction have consistently earned sweepstakes awards and has sent many students to state level contests. While in high school, he was a UIL Texas State Solo and Ensemble Outstanding Soloist and a three-time TMEA All-State Clarinetist.

After high school, he earned a Bachelors of Music Education degree from Baylor University. As a member of both the Baylor Wind Ensemble and the Baylor Symphony Orchestra, Mr. Garza performed at many prestigious venues such as the College Orchestra Directors Association Conference, Texas Music Educators Association Conference, College Band Directors National Association Conference and the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic. He also spent a season as the associate principal clarinetist of the Waco Symphony Orchestra and was a clarinetist with the Waco Civic Theater’s production of Oklahoma!

Mr. Garza had the privilege of student teaching with the Robinson High School Honor Band and assisted with their 2015 TMEA Honor Band Tour. Mr. Garza began his teaching career at La Joya ISD. His responsibilities included co-conducting the Wind Ensemble, teaching saxophone and clarinet beginner classes and was a private lesson teacher for the Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone and Percussion studios. Mr. Garza’s hobbies include reading and watching the Harry Potter series, cooking and traveling with his friends and family. His professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association and the Texas Bandmasters Association.

Jeanette Collins is set to begin her twelfth year of teaching, all at Gatesville ISD and her eighth year of working with the color guard. Her responsibilities include teaching choreography and assisting the color guard and the band directors on the field during marching season.

Mrs. Collins received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, with a teaching emphasis from Tarleton State University in December of 2005. During her time at Tarleton, she was a member of Phi Eta Sigma, Alpha Chi, and Phi Alpha Theta. This has allowed her to better instruct her students in the classroom, where she teaches United States History Since Reconstruction, Advanced Placement United States History, and Dual Credit United States History.

In her spare time, Mrs. Collins spends time with her two sons Owen (4) and Dylan (2), two future percussionists; and her husband Van Collins, a football and soccer coach here at GISD. They enjoy playing in the backyard with their cocker spaniel Royce, hanging out with their neighbors, visiting the Cameron Park Zoo, and attending sporting events.