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Mr. Martinez, I cannot thank you enough for all that you've done to help me become the clarinet player that I am. It was only through your Symphonic Band at KHS, that I was able to break through boundaries and reach new levels in my musicianship, leadership, and character. Your band class was not only a journey through music, but it was also a place where I learned important skills--not just in music, but in life as well. Whether it was a witty saying, or your unique wisdom, your words have inspired and continue to inspire me. You made band totally worth it. Being a member of the clarinet section was totally worth it...Why? Because you were there. Those students at Mansfield are really really really lucky! Thanks Mr. Martinez, I'll never forget you and all that you have done.
- Randell Labio, clarinet, class of '05

Mr. Martinez you are awesome!!!! The memories in your class this year will stick in my mind for probably the rest of my life. I will always remember marching season. You always pushed us to strive for excellence on the marching field and still gave us laughs along the way. Many memories, such as finding humorous ways to play the chorale, on your trumpet, and doing box drill left after marching practice, will always be remembered. You�ve always been able to give each of us encouraging and inspirational words. Even during UIL season, you still pushed us to be all we can be. You never gave up on us. You always tried other ways to help us understand concepts whether they are with your many Mexican jokes or movie trivia. These things allowed us to look forward to band class because we could then loosen up from listening to teachers lecture us all day about physics or junior themes or pre-calculus. We remained focused and worked hard but we still had some laughs. Even during Jazz Band, you gave us a time in which we could just have fun. When you asked me to be in Jazz Band, I had to really think about whether or not I had the time. Even though my schedule is busy, I make time for Jazz Band because we always have fun with you. You know how to make us laugh. That is one of your many talents. By laughing, we are able to loosen up and allow ourselves to calm down from our hectic days of TAKS testing and final exams. They really can be frustrating and you understand that. You are truly a blessing to us all and we shall miss you so much. You have helped us all to become great players and that will have a lasting effect. I�ve only been in your class one year and I know that I have made great strides. Whether it is in my playing or just in my character. You moving to Mansfield will allow you to help others become strong and confident players, as you have done for us. I hope that you have a lasting effect on them as you have had on me. And I�m sure many will agree with me when I say, WE WILL MISS YOU!!!!
- Megan Sell, trumpet, class of '05

Mr. Martinez!! You have no idea how incredibly awesome you are! We are going to miss you so much next year! I know that i am going to miss your jokes during class! (Don't smoke too much while you are gone *wink*) You are such an amazing person and you have done so much to shape who I am Mr. Martinez! Your class has helped me so much this year! I only wish that i could have been in your band last year so i could have shared even more memories with you! Our entire band program has been blessed with your presence. Thank you for all that you have brought into each and every person in the Keller band program! You will be missed horribly! We will all miss you!! and im sure you will miss us too! (and the announcments at the end of 4th period!)
- Shelly McHugh, bass clarinet, class of '05

Mister Martinez, I have thanked God, many many times, for sending you to me. With you being the only band director I've had in high school, I found it really hard to intake the fact that you're leaving Keller, but I think to myself 'Hey, I can't be that selfish, others should get this wonderful opportunity to have you teach them as well', and that makes things much easier to deal with. You might not remember, but it's you that stopped me from quitting band in 8th grade. To this day, I still remember you coming up to me during the solo/emsemble contest and telling me that you wanted me in your band. I thank you for that. If I did quit two years ago, I would have thrown away everything that keeps me happy. For two years, and everyday in those two years, I look forward to fourth period. It's the only period that keeps me from going insane. I'm happy there, and 98% of the time, it's because of you and your will to make everybody around you happy. I'm always laughing in band, and when I come in upset, you would always do something to make me feel better. And yes, I still remember how you made us (last year) stand on our chairs and make funny faces to the ceiling. I thank you for that. Coming from the first year of Indian Springs, and being the only one from Indian Springs, I lacked some serious talent. Two years ago, I would have never imagined to play Festivo, much less have a solo in it. You amaze me with your ways that you teach Symphonic Band, and I'm glad to admit that you've made an impact on my life. I'm glad that I was a part of it all. I will miss it forever. I can't even describe what you do to your band, but it's most definately something great. I want to take the time now to say how lucky your next band is. You'll start traditions there and continue to increase their talent, taking leaps and bounds each year. I hope you'll remember us forever, too. Thank you so much, Mister Martinez. The mark you put in everyone's heart and mind will stay there always. Please keep contact! We'll miss you so very much.
- Patricia Wong, flute, class of '06

Mr. Martinez~
I just wanted to take time out of my day to thank you for all that you have done for me. Everytime I see you in the halls, the band hall or in your office you always take the time to stop and talk with me. I remember back in sixth grade in beginner band, Craig and I were in the same class and I was the only girl. That was quite an interesting class, but you always encouraged us to do better and try harder, even back then. When i got to high school I was so excited because I got to be taught by you again, despite the fact that I wasnt in your class (yet). During marching season you taught me on and off the field and helped me grow into the person I am today. As a sophomore I made it into Symphonic Band and you always took care of us as though we were your own children. You always told us that if we ever needed anything, not to hesitate to ask. We knew that we could always come to you with whatever problems we might have. You treated us with the same respect you expected us to treat you with and you considered us friends as we did you. This year, when I heard the news that you were going to Mansfield to open a new high school, I nearly cried! Those kids in Mansfield are very lucky to be getting an amazing teacher like you. I hope that you have a great time at your new school and dont forget us, i know we'll never forget you.
- Courtney Crudgington, trombone, class of '05

Mr. Martinez,
You are the greatest teacher IN THE WORLD!! You have taught me sooo much this year! I mean soooo....much! I'm really going to miss not having you as a band director anymore. This has been such a great year for me! You are one of the funnest teachers I know! I have NEVER had a teacher who actually got on the annoucements and annouced something! That was great! And all your jokes and everything like that are great and I'm going to miss them next year! I loved being in your band and I am soooo....thankful that I got to be in it my Freshman year to have you for my teacher! You're so awesome! You know how to be funny at times and serious during the other! When you told us you were leaving, I couldn't believe it. I never thought I would have a teacher that I liked so much leave. But I am sooo...happy for you Mr. Martinez. I am glad that you get to be the head director at your new high school! But one thing I know for sure is that I will come and visit you. You will truly be missed next year and years to come! The kids you will be teaching at Mansfield are REALLY lucky to have you! I'm glad I did! Thanks so much for all that you did! I'll never forget you Mr. Martinez!
- Katie Vargo, flute, class of '07

Mr. Martinez,
I cant thank you enough for everything you have helped me with these past 2 years. It has been so great getting to know you better. You are an awesome guy, I wish you could stay here with us. I appreciate everything you have done not only for me but for everyone else. I would not be person I am today if it wasn't for you. I look up to you and I know others do as well. I am going to miss all the funny things you do, and how you always take time out of your busy schedule just to say hi. You are not only a great band director but a great friend as well. I know if i had any problems I could come to you and you would help me in any way possible, and I can not thank you enough for that. I will always remember the silly things you have done. There isn't any words to describe how much you mean to all of us. Have fun, take care, and God Bless.
- Stephanie Smith, flute, class of '06

Hey Mr. Martinez!!! wow u were totally my all time favorite band director (except for mr mcgahey if hes reading this!!! ) no but really i know i only had u for my 7th grade year but u were da bomb!!! our lil clarinet class was so much fun. i was so excited going into khs partly because i knew u were a director and partly because it was khs! but then i found out u were leaving!!!! i was so sad!!! i miss u so much!!!!!!
- Jessica Demma, clarinet, class of '08

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