Archdiocesan Music Program

 

The Archdiocesan Music Program offers instrumental lessons and a group band experience in Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Washington.

 

 

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Paul Martens

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Paul grew up in south central Pennsylvania. During his high school years he was a member of the concert band, marching band, jazz band and chorus. He was selected to be a member of the all-county band for four years, and the all-county chorus for two. He was selected to be a member of the Upper Southern District Band for four years, two on bass clarinet, and two on tenor saxophone.

During his college years he participated in the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band and the Yellow Breeches Saxophone Quartet, which was asked to perform at two Pennsylvania Music Educator conventions. He also participated in the Grantham Oratorio Society and the college touring choir, as well as participating on a music ministry team. He was selected to be a member of the Pennsylvania Intercollegiate Band for two years on alto saxophone. During his junior year he was awarded the Theodore Presser music scholarship. He received a B. S. in Music Education, K-12, from Messiah College, Grantham, PA. He studied woodwinds with Dr. Donald Beckie at Susquehanna University, and Dr. William R. Higgins at Messiah College.

Since joining the Archdiocesan Music Program in 1981, three of his bands, St. Ambrose, 1984, St. Matthias the Apostle, 1996, and St. Joseph, 1997, were named the "Outstanding Catholic Elementary School Band in the U.S.A.", for that year, in a contest sponsored by the National Catholic Band Directors Association.

He is a member of the National Association for Music Education, Maryland Music Educators Association, Percussive Arts Society, and a former member of the North American Saxophone Alliance, of the World Saxophone Congress.

 

St. Joseph Regional School, Beltsville, MD
St. Peter's School, Olney, MD
St. Pius X Regional School, Bowie, MD
St. Raphael School, Rockville, MD