Dr. Esteban "Steve" Montalvo is honored to serve as the Conductor and Artistic Director of the San Antonio Symphonic Band, the Official Band of the City of San Antonio, and as a member of the band's Board of Directors. A passionate educator, conductor, and lifelong advocate for music, he has dedicated more than 38 years to helping musicians discover their potential and experience the transformative power of music. A native of Robstown, Texas, Dr. Montalvo has spent his career serving students, musicians, and communities across South Texas. Today, he proudly calls San Antonio home. Whether working with beginning students, accomplished performers, or community musicians, his philosophy has always remained the same: music should inspire excellence, build character, and bring people together. In addition to his leadership of the San Antonio Symphonic Band, Dr. Montalvo serves as Head Band Director at Memorial High School in Edgewood ISD, where he has built a culture of achievement and pride. Under his leadership, Memorial High School became the first 5A band program in Edgewood ISD history to earn UIL Sweepstakes honors and advance to the UIL Area Marching Band Competition, a milestone that reflects the dedication of students, families, educators, and the broader community. Throughout his career, Dr. Montalvo has led ensembles to numerous UIL Sweepstakes Awards, Best-in-Class honors, Outstanding Ensemble recognition at the Texas State UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest, Bands of America championships, and multiple first-place awards and finals appearances in USBands regional and state competitions. He is especially proud of the relationships he has built with students and the opportunity to help young people develop confidence, discipline, leadership skills, and a lifelong appreciation for music. As a performer, Dr. Montalvo has been privileged to perform with a variety of distinguished ensembles, including the University of Texas Longhorn Band, University of Texas Symphonic Band, University of Texas Mariachi, Austin Symphonic Band, Corpus Christi Wind Ensemble, Corpus Christi Orchestra, Del Mar College Band, Del Mar College Orchestra, Del Mar College Jazz Band, Eddie Galvan Orchestra, and the San Antonio Municipal Band. Dr. Montalvo holds a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from Our Lady of the Lake University, where he graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA. His academic work reflects his belief that effective leadership and musical excellence go hand in hand. His doctoral dissertation explored the relationship between authentic leadership behaviors and ensemble performance outcomes, combining two lifelong passions: leadership and music. Throughout the years, he has also served as a clinician, adjudicator, mentor, UIL organizer, and advocate for music education across Texas. What Dr. Montalvo enjoys most about the San Antonio Symphonic Band is the opportunity to work alongside talented musicians who volunteer their time and talents to serve the community through music. He believes the band's greatest strength is its people and their shared commitment to enriching lives through meaningful musical experiences. When he is not conducting or teaching, Dr. Montalvo enjoys staying active by working out at the gym, maintaining his health and wellness, and spending time outdoors working on landscaping and yard improvement projects. These activities provide balance, relaxation, and a creative outlet beyond the rehearsal hall. Most importantly, he treasures time spent with family, friends, colleagues, and the many students and musicians who have enriched his life's journey. Fun Fact: Outside of music, Dr. Montalvo enjoys the company of his two pets, Angel, a gray-and-white domestic shorthair cat, and Sunshine, a golden apricot Shih Tzu. They are frequent companions during his downtime and help keep life interesting away from the rehearsal hall. Dr. Montalvo considers it a privilege to serve the City of San Antonio through music and looks forward to continuing the San Antonio Symphonic Band's tradition of excellence, community engagement, and artistic achievement for years to come.

Hi! My name’s Allison, and I am a flute player in SASB and inventory Analyst at H-E-B. I joined SASB when I moved to San Antonio in 2018, and have loved being a part of this group since. Some of my favorite memories with the band include performances at unique venues such as Casa Navarro (the cactus I bought at our Christmas concert there years ago is still barely hanging in there), and on the deck of the Intrepid Museum in NYC. I grew up in Houston, where I began to play the flute in fourth grade, and was fortunate to have access to public schools with good music programs. After high school, I moved to Austin to study at UT, became a member of the Engineering Chamber Orchestra there, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management. As well as participating in SASB, I spend my time as a member of the Texas Lady Crushers rock climbing group, and taking my bike out on our city’s awesome greenway trails. I love all sorts of music, but mostly find myself listening to rock, and have a soft spot for classical. Combine both, and I’m thinking of Muse’s Exogenesis Symphony. Music is an amazing form of expression, and community music is vital for giving us a creative outlet and opportunity to engage with music on a personal and social level, and have a good time!

Sebastian (April) Ovalle joined the San Antonio Symphonic Band board in August 2026, bringing a vibrant passion for community music and a highly diverse background to the leadership team. Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas—with the unique childhood experience of living in England for two years—Sebastian works locally as a Linen Specialist at Pedrotti’s Ranch and as an Usher for the San Antonio Missions. A veteran of the United States Army who served for four years, Sebastian has developed an impressive range of technical certifications over the years. He studied automotive mechanics before transitioning to aviation maintenance at Hallmark University, earning degrees in Airframe and Powerplant technology, and has also maintained a license as a life insurance agent for fourteen years. Sebastian's lifelong musical journey began at the age of twelve. While he plays both the trumpet and the alto saxophone, he focuses his talents entirely on the trumpet when performing with ensembles. Since joining the San Antonio Symphonic Band in August 2024, Sebastian has embraced every rehearsal and performance, noting that his favorite highlight is simply sharing the stage with the trumpet section and building relationships with other band members. Deeply embedded in the local arts scene, Sebastian is a cornerstone of San Antonio's community music network, performing with four other ensembles. This includes the Alamo City Community Band (off and on since 2002), the Pride of San Antonio Showband (since 2018), a small brass ensemble with Chambers of Love, and a seasonal church music group at La Trinidad Church. Music is Sebastian's ultimate passion, and he loves being part of community ensembles where so many people share the same dedication, cherishing how music inherently brings people together. When not rehearsing or performing, Sebastian focuses on family life, spending quality time with his girlfriend and their loved ones. Sebastian enjoys a wide variety of repertoire, but a personal favorite is The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse by Randall Standridge-a piece that sparked a deep appreciation for Standridge's dramatic compositions, which remain a favorite to play.

Dr. Emma Dromgoole has served as an educator for over 20 years, holding a variety of leadership and instructional roles throughout her career, including band director, school counselor, assistant principal, principal, operations director, and district fine arts coordinator. She currently works with the Alamo Colleges District, where she is dedicated to developing music programs and directing a marching band. A passionate advocate for music education and community arts, Dr. Dromgoole serves as Board President of the San Antonio Symphonic Band and performs with the ensemble as a saxophonist. Her commitment to music extends well beyond the classroom, reflecting a lifelong dedication to enriching lives and strengthening communities through the arts. Outside of her professional responsibilities, Dr. Dromgoole enjoys collecting Donald Duck memorabilia and participating in road racing events, including 5Ks, half marathons, and marathons. She is a proud member of Half Fanatics and Marathon Maniacs, and she competes as an athlete with the Texas Beef Team. Through her leadership in education and service to the arts, Dr. Dromgoole exemplifies a commitment to excellence, lifelong learning, and community engagement.

Dr. Angel Marie Martinez joined the San Antonio Symphonic Band board in 2026, bringing a unique blend of medical expertise, community dedication, and lifelong musical passion to the leadership team. Professionally, Angel serves her community as a Nurse Practitioner in Otolaryngology at Hill Country ENT. Born and raised on the southside of San Antonio, Texas, her deep commitment to local healthcare led her to earn a Doctorate in Nursing Practice and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from UT Health San Antonio, following a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Trinity University. In addition to her role with the band, she advocates for regional health equity as a community alternate board member for The Center for Health Empowerment in South Texas (CHEST), a non-profit organization dedicated to bridging the gap in healthcare access on the city's medically underserved South Side. Angel’s musical journey began in 2001 when she first picked up the flute. She integrated into the local community music scene in the fall of 2024 when she joined the flute section of the San Antonio Symphonic Band. A versatile musician, she also sings, plays guitar, and has a background in Mariachi performance. Her favorite memory with the ensemble so far was the New York Band Trip, which provided an incredible experience that she and her family truly enjoyed together. For Angel, these shared moments showcase the true power of an ensemble, as music has the unique ability to bring people together, regardless of age, background, or experience. She firmly believes that community music and ensembles like SASB create a vital sense of belonging by giving people an opportunity to share their talents, learn from one another, and build meaningful connections. When she is not treating patients or practicing her music, Angel is an avid distance runner who frequently competes in regional athletic events. She has successfully crossed the finish line of over five half marathons and one full marathon, and she looks forward to completing many more races in the upcoming years. Her personal playlist mirrors her diverse interests and energetic lifestyle, featuring a vast array of genres that span from classical and rock to the traditional sounds of her Mexican heritage.

Melvina Medley Turner is an accomplished musician, educator, and paralegal whose career reflects a lifelong commitment to excellence in both music and the legal profession. A self-taught musician, Melvina earned a place in the prestigious Texas All-State Band in 1979 without ever taking a formal music lesson. She went on to attend The University of Texas at San Antonio on scholarship, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance. Following her passion for the legal field, she pursued a career as a paralegal and has been Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization for more than 35 years. In 2012, Melvina returned to academia at the University of the Incarnate Word, where she earned both a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resources. An active performer in the San Antonio music community, Melvina serves as Principal Piccolo with Alamo Arts Symphony Viva and Principal Flute and Piccolo with the San Antonio Symphonic Band. She is also a co-founder of River City Winds, a local chamber ensemble dedicated to advancing wind chamber music in the region. Melvina's leadership and service extend beyond performance. She is Past President of Mozart Festival Texas and currently serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors for the San Antonio Symphonic Band. As an educator, she maintains a private music studio and regularly presents master classes, including at Memorial High School. Her performance highlights include a 2023 concert tour throughout Tuscany, Italy, and multiple featured appearances with the Tuesday Musical Club. In 2026, she performed with the San Antonio Symphonic Band in New York City. Throughout her career, Melvina has demonstrated that it is possible to successfully pursue multiple passions, blending distinguished achievements in both music and law while inspiring others through performance, teaching, and leadership. Melvina and her husband, Martyn, have been married for more than 30 years after meeting on a blind date. They share their home with two beloved Parti-Poodles, Dexter and Dasher. Avid travelers, they have visited every island in the Caribbean, with Cancun remaining their favorite destination, having returned more than 50 times.

Dr. David Carroll joined the San Antonio Symphonic Band board in 2026, combining a distinguished career in mental health and nursing education with a deep dedication to community music. Professionally, David serves as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at the Audie Murphy VA Hospital and shares his expertise with the next generation of healthcare professionals as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at UT Health. He holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and originally hails from Hampton, Virginia, before making his home in the Texas community he now serves. In addition to his leadership with the band, David remains highly active in his local church, regularly contributing his musical talents to the church orchestra. David’s journey with the San Antonio Symphonic Band began in 2018 when he stepped up to fill a vital role in the woodwind section. After many years of playing the clarinet and bass clarinet, he decided to take on the unique challenge of mastering the bassoon—a rigorous transition that he thoroughly enjoys. His favorite memory with the ensemble dates back to his very first day, when he met longtime band fixture Al Tapia and was immediately welcomed into the section. As David jokes, it instantly validated the old community band rumor that the only true prerequisite for being a community ensemble bassoonist is simply owning a bassoon. Outside of his clinical duties and classical rehearsals, David pursues a diverse mix of hobbies and musical interests. He is an avid cyclist and is currently spending his free time learning how to play golf. While he reads standard woodwind notation for the band, he is also a talented rock drummer who plays entirely by ear, unable to read a single note of percussion music. His wide-ranging artistic tastes are reflected in his favorite composers, which include classical masters like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Gustav Mahler, alongside legendary cinematic scorers John Williams and Hans Zimmer.

Susan Westberg, SASB Treasurer since Fall 2022, retired--former careers include 21 years in the US Army (Active Duty and Reserve) and 16 years as a substitute teacher/paraprofessional in public schools in Virginia and Texas. I grew up in and around Saginaw, Michigan and started playing clarinet in 4th grade. Switched to bass clarinet in 6th grade and learned to play tenor sax for marching band. I joined the Army after high school and attended college classes while on active duty, majoring in management studies. While stationed overseas in Germany, I sang in an international choir, played bass clarinet in a community concert band that was mostly German players, and participated in a musical. I played bass clarinet as a guest in the 296th Army Band at Camp Zama, Japan and marched with tenor sax in a combined US/Japan military marching band contest. I sang in church choirs and sometimes took part in musical plays or revues all through my military career and beyond to the present. I moved to San Antonio in 2006, played bass clarinet in the orchestra at my church, Coker Methodist, before joining SASB in 2016. As a member of SASB, I have enjoyed the variety of places we have performed and the occasional extra talent we have brought in like the Mariachi band that joined us at one of our Fiesta concerts. In addition to my church choir, handbells choir, and orchestra, I've played occasionally for the San Antonio Community Orchestra since 2022 and regularly for the South Texas Symphonic Orchestra starting in 2023. I also added singing lead in a ladies' barbershop chorus since 2018. My life seems like it's all music all the time, and that's easy to do here in San Antonio, but I also like to garden and hike and have learned to recognize almost every plant that grows in this part of Texas. I love singing folk songs around a campfire, as it combines music with being in nature. I just wish I could do that more often!

Frankie Rodriguez joined the San Antonio Symphonic Band in January 2026 and serves as a Member at Large on the board. A proud San Antonio native, Frankie is deeply embedded in the local music community. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education with a Minor in Jazz Studies at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Frankie plays the tuba with the SASB, and his favorite memory with the ensemble is the summer trip to New York City, where he experienced incredible live music and performed aboard the USS Intrepid. Beyond the symphonic band, he serves as the Sousaphone Student Staff for the UTSA Spirit of San Antonio (SOSA) Marching Band, an intern for the UTSA Boomsquad Tuba/Euphonium Studio, and a Marching Band Instructor at John Paul Stevens High School. An exceptionally versatile musician, Frankie possesses perfect pitch and has played the piano for 18 years, as well as the trumpet for nine years, primarily in jazz ensembles. Because of his diverse background, his musical tastes span widely across classical wind band literature, jazz, marching arts, and contemporary music. Frankie is a passionate advocate for lifelong music-making. "I appreciate community music ensembles for giving people from young adulthood and beyond the opportunity to continue making music," Frankie says. "Too many people 'put down the horn' and never pick it back up; community ensembles show that it's never too late to keep performing and enjoying music with others.