Meet Jennifer Martin: Junior String Orchestra's New Conductor
- Lauren Arie
- Jul 1
- 4 min read
We're thrilled to welcome Jennifer Martin as the new conductor of the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra's Junior String Orchestra (JSO) beginning Fall 2025!
Mrs. Martin brings an extraordinary combination of experience, leadership, and passion for music education. She currently serves as the Orchestra/Mariachi Specialist for Fort Worth ISD and is President-Elect of the Texas Music Educators Association - one of the highest honors in our state's music education community. Her past roles include Head Orchestra Director at Boles Junior High (Arlington ISD) and Director of Orchestras for Midway ISD in Waco, TX.
"I am beyond honored and excited to serve as the JSO Conductor. FWYO has been a positive influence in the greater Fort Worth community and in the lives of my students and my own family for years. This age group is one of my favorites and I cannot wait to lead these talented young musicians!" - Jennifer Martin
A graduate of Baylor University (Bachelor of Music Education) and Stephen F. Austin (Master of Educational Leadership), Mrs. Martin's ensembles have consistently earned UIL Sweepstakes Awards and Best-in-Class honors at festivals across DFW. Her orchestras have ranked among the state's top ten in the TMEA State Honor Orchestra competition at both the junior high and high school levels. She's also in high demand as a clinician and adjudicator throughout Texas.
Fort Worth Youth Orchestra Executive Director, Andrew Reynolds, says, "Jennifer Martin is a transformative leader in orchestral music education. Her success building exceptional middle school programs and leading all orchestral-activities for Fort Worth ISD, the 42nd-largest school district in the nation, demonstrates both her skill and dedication. As President-Elect of the Texas Music Educators Association - the largest of its kind and globally admired for its excellence in music education - Jennifer exemplifies leadership at the highest level."
"Just as important, she brings a joy and energy to the podium that makes every rehearsal exciting for students and families alike. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the FWYO family, where her vision and passion will help shape the next generation of young musicians.” - Andrew Reynolds
Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Martin is a member of the viola section of the Waco Symphony Orchestra, and has shared the stage with Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Joshua Bell, and more. She and her husband, Jimmy, enjoy supporting their two children in their musical and athletic endeavors throughout the metroplex.
Still Accepting JSO Auditions for Fall 2025
Enrollment to the Junior String Orchestra is still open! All string players are welcome, but we're especially seeking violists and bassists to round out our sound.
How to Audition:
Visit FWYO.org/audition and scroll to Jr. String Orchestra to find our audition requirements and music!
Submit a Completed Online Application
Submit an Audition Video Recording
About FWYO:
Celebrating 60 years of extraordinary music education during the 2024-2025 season, the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra has won local, national, and international recognition as one of the finest youth orchestra programs in the United States. Through ten programs - including four major orchestras, two wind ensembles, a jazz band, Early Childhood Music, FWYO Suzuki School, and chamber programs - the FWYO delivers high quality musical instruction to nearly 500 students ranging in age from four to eighteen years, and represents communities throughout North Texas.
Founded by a community group headed by Betty Utter and under the direction of conductors Ezra Rachlin and John Giordano, the FWYO was founded to promote and inspire the continuing development of musical talent in qualified area youth through intensive education in classical orchestral rooted music and performance. The programs offers students the opportunity to further develop their talent as well as their leadership skills, self-discipline, confidence, and pride in personal achievement. Many of the nearly 20,000 alumni of the Fort Worth Youth Orchestra program have gone on to become members of major symphony orchestras, music educators, or leaders in their fields.
The Orchestra's accomplishments include international concert tours in Europe, Mexico, Canada, and the Far East; music festivals in Switzerland and Washington, D.C.; and numerous other concert appearances across Texas and the Southwest. Its most recent tour in 2024 was to Spain with performances in Barcelona, Valencia, and Cullera. The Youth Orchestra has also been honored to perform with artists such as Van Cliburn, Jose Feghali, Yakov Kasman, Tamàs Ungàr, and John Owings, and composers Morton Gould and Samuel Adler. In 2021, the FWYO also received 2nd in the Youth Orchestra Division of the prestigious American Prize and 3rd place in the 2024 American Prize. The Wind Ensemble also won 1st place in the American Prize Youth Band division in 2024.
Under the leadership of Music Director Dr. Germán Gutiérrez since 2000 and Executive Director Andrew Reynolds since 2021, the FWYO has become one of North Texas’ most prestigious performing arts organizations. In addition to its educational programs, the FWYO owns and operates historic Orchestra Hall in Foster Park that has been home to numerous performing arts organizations since 1975.
Press Inquiries: Lauren Arie - larie@fwyo.org / 817-923-3121 x18
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