Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesus Martinez.
Hi Jesus, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in south Texas, most commonly known as “The Valley.” Ever since I can remember, I have been very passionate about creating meaningful and contemporary music. My compositional style is driven by social, historical, and cultural relevance. I received my B.M. in Music Education from the University of Texas at Arlington, and my M.M. in Music Composition from Southern Methodist University.
I was so fortunate to have amazing professors and mentors along the way to help guide me and make my path to success much easier. As a composer, I have received numerous commissions and residences throughout the nation and have enjoyed performances of my music from Irving Symphony Orchesta, Alabama Symphony Orchestra, Alabama All-State Orchestra, Albany (NY) Symphony.
I am now an active composer and educator across the DFW area and the Executive Director of Emerge Coalition, Inc. Emerge Coalition is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit performing arts organization that provides contemporary arts programming to the Dallas community. Since we were founded in 2020, EMERGE has worked with over 50 composers worldwide and is in its second concert season of the “OFF the Beaten Path” Concert Series.
It has been quite an adventure so far!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
We have certainly had our ups and downs. Starting an organization from the ground up during the Covid-19 crisis came with a lot of downs. It also became very apparent that our organization would not qualify for immediate help until a certain amount of time had passed.
The members of the organization began to put in the work and founded our biggest fundraiser to date, the EMERGE New Music Virtual Workshop and Concert: an intensive three-day new music reading workshop and concert geared towards composers of all ages, gender, and nationality. The workshops are held once a year now and they have been an incredible source for our organization.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a music composer, a local music educator, and the executive director of EMERGE Coalition, Inc. Before EMERGE, most of my work was as a freelance composer and educator. I am very excited about several upcoming commissions as a composer and I personally love to continue my work as an educator, helping future generations of musicians strive to reach their potential through the arts. Some of my recent work as a composer was the premiere of my piece “3 Hours in Dallas,” commissioned by The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza for the 56th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. With this commission, we integrated a 16.5-minute film that detailed President Kennedy’s last motorcade here in Dallas. The film began at Love Field Airport, which led to Parkland hospital and ultimately, back to Love Field Airport. The project was so unique because it had live music that was synchronized to be performed with the film. The music was performed by high school students from Sam Houston High School in Arlington, TX. The film was well received and we were able to achieve a wonderful experience for the audience members and performers while commemorating the 56th anniversary. That was personally a very proud moment for me as a composer and educator. I was able to compose a large work and see my students perform at the highest level at The Sixth Floor Museum. It made a huge impact on my students and on my professional career and it is something that I will never forget.
EMERGE is something that I am really proud of because it has allowed our organization to work with over 50 composers worldwide. With our Virtual Workshop and Concert Series, EMERGE has helped composers from all over the world by providing educational workshops and performances of their music. As a composer and educator, I could not be more proud of the work we are continuing to do in order to provide a new platform for composers of all ages. EMERGE has also launched its second season of the “OFF the Beaten Path” concert series this Fall 2022. I am so proud to be a part of an organization that brings contemporary chamber music programming to the DFW area.
I am not sure what sets me apart from others. It’s not something I think about. I know that I am a hard worker. I try to face every challenge head-on and feel that I am ready to problem-solve every step of the way. I am also very driven and focus to deliver music that is meaningful and relatable to audience members. I am passionate about making an impact through the arts in my community.
3 Hours in Dallas Link:
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
EMERGE was founded during the Covid-19 crisis, so it certainly felt like we learned many as we navigated a new organization and what we saw as a national standstill. However, I think the most important lesson we learned was to be patient and adaptable in any situation. The Covid-19 crisis taught us that we were not alone and that everyone was dealing with a large unknown. We learned to rely on and trust each other even more. Ultimately, we were able to grow from nothing into an up-and-coming performing arts organization, and I believe that we are much stronger now because of the steps we took during such a crucial time.
Pricing:
- $15 per ticket
- Students enter free with ID
- Children 12 and under are free
Contact Info:
- Website: www.emergeci.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergecoalitioninc/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/emergeci
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfjiFUaKVUs9XmWaym_uCmg
