Member Spotlight - NPR's Norma Martinez

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Norma Martinez has been a member of Local 23 since moving to San Antonio in late 2016. Prior to her move to the Alamo City, Martinez was a member of Local 466 in El Paso. She played with the El Paso Symphony Orchestra for over 20 years.

Martinez was driven to join Local 466 after a strike by the EPSO in 2001 to restore more classical concerts to the performance calendar and improve musicians' pay. 

Martinez holds a degree in Music Performance from the University of Texas at El Paso. Her musical background served her well in her radio career. 

Martinez started working at El Paso NPR affiliate KTEP-FM in 1989. As a student at UTEP, she hosted a classical music program on Saturdays. This gradually progressed to hosting Morning Edition and All Things Considered, and El Paso Symphony Orchestra broadcasts on KTEP. She became a full-time Morning Edition host and program producer in 1995. 

Martinez made the move to San Antonio in Dec. 2016 and was in the right place and right time to be hired as Morning Edition host for Texas Public Radio in February 2017. 

She didn’t make the cut as section cellist with the San Antonio Symphony in 2016, but is fortunate to sit as principal for two community orchestras - the South Texas Symphonic Orchestra and Symphony Viva. 

“I’m grateful to the musical community, including Local 23 in San Antonio, for opening their arms to me,” said Martinez. “I look forward to getting more opportunities to play when my schedule allows!”

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