LYO Welcomes Mitsuko Martinez

June 9, 2025

The Louisville Youth Orchestra is excited to announce Mitsuko Martinez will be joining as conductor for our newest ensemble, Serenade Winds. In her role, Ms. Martinez will lead the ensemble that is focused on beginning and intermediate woodwind and brass student musicians, giving them the opportunity to learn and play exciting instrumental music with a full band.

“I’m thrilled to support the mission of the Louisville Youth Orchestra, an organization dedicated to the growth of local student musicians,” said Ms. Martinez. “As the conductor for Serenade Winds, I will have the chance to help students connect, collaborate, and thrive through music. I’m a strong advocate for skill-focused instruction and plan to create an environment that builds confidence and independence.”

Ms. Martinez is a passionate music instructor and clarinetist who serves as the band teacher for South Oldman Middle School. For more than a decade, she has taught band in diverse settings around the country and through service-learning trips overseas in Australia and Jamaica. Mrs. Martinez serves as the Middle School Band Chair for the Kentucky Music Educators Association District Five, and she is involved in school leadership, facilitating educational and community initiatives.

Ms. Martinez holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Elmhurst University and a master’s degree in wind band pedagogy from the University of Louisville. During this time, she studied conducting with Dr. Fred Speck and clarinet with Dr. Matthew Nelson. Ms. Martinez remains an active performer with the Louisville Concert Band and performed internationally with the Hachioji Community Band in Tokyo.

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