Mr. Armando Martinez – Head Band Director, Elgin High School

Mr. Martinez is in his 20th year as a proud Texas music educator, dedicated to shaping young musicians into confident, disciplined, and compassionate individuals. A native of Seguin, Texas, he earned his Bachelor of Music degree from the Texas State University School of Music in 2007. His journey into music education was inspired by his high school band director, Dr. Mark Waymire, whose lasting influence continues to guide his belief that a band program should be a place where students grow not only in musicianship, but in character and purpose.

While at Texas State University, Mr. Martinez studied euphonium under Mr. Raul Rodriguez and performed with the Texas State University Bobcat Marching Band from 2001 to 2004. He went on to perform with the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps from 2003 to 2005, experiences that helped shape his passion for excellence and high-level performance. He later served as a visual instructor for the Bluecoats, Colts, and Guardians Drum and Bugle Corps, helping student performers across the country achieve artistry, discipline, and pride in their craft.

Mr. Martinez has served in multiple school districts, including Gonzales ISD and Hays CISD, and spent four years as Assistant Director at Elgin High School before becoming Head Band Director. In each role, his mission has remained the same: to build programs that inspire students to work hard, believe in themselves, and contribute to something greater than themselves.

He is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association and the Texas Bandmasters Association. Above all, Mr. Martinez considers it his greatest honor to serve the students and families of Elgin High School. He lives in Elgin with his wife, Danielle, and their two daughters, Alaina and Amaya—his greatest source of joy and inspiration.

Mr. Andrew Arbouzov – Assistant Band Director, Elgin High School

Mr. Arbouzov is in his third year as a music educator, having graduated from The University of Houston in December 2023. While at the university, he studied saxophone under Dr. Woodrow Witt and performed in the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Orchestra, and several other premier performing ensembles.

In addition to his collegiate studies and performance experience, Mr. Arbouzov has extensive involvement in the marching arts as a conductor with both the Bluecoats and Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps. Through these experiences, he developed a strong commitment to student leadership and gained valuable insight into world-class performance practices within the activity.

In his free time, Mr. Arbouzov continues to perform on saxophone and deepen his study of jazz. His interests also include playing basketball, reading, and spending time with his mischievous cats, Paulie, Remy, and Bronny.

Mr. Arbouzov is excited to continue his teaching career with the Elgin High School Band and looks forward to working with the program’s outstanding students.

Mr. Chrstian Gonzales – Percussion Director, Elgin ISD

Mr. Gonzales is a resident of Austin, Texas and an alumnus of the University of Houston, where he earned his degree in Instrumental Music Education. While at the university, he performed with the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, Steel Band, and the internationally recognized “Spirit of Houston” Marching Band.

As a performer, Christian has extensive experience at the highest levels of activity, including performing with Drum Corps International’s Phantom Regiment and Winter Guard International (WGI) Percussion with Monarch Independent.

His teaching background includes work with multiple high school percussion programs throughout the Houston area, as well as independent ensembles. He has also held several leadership roles in the marching arts community, including serving as Percussion Caption Head for Compass Drum and Bugle Corps during their 2021 season, Bass Technician for Louisiana Stars in 2022, and Bass Technician for Rhythmic Force Percussion in Austin, Texas. Most recently, he served as Battery Caption Head for the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps during the 2024 season.

Mr. Gonzales is excited to join the Elgin ISD staff and looks forward to making a meaningful and lasting impact on the students, program, and community.