Steve Sánchez
Steve Sánchez
Clarinet, Bass Clarinet
steve.sanchez@sjsu.edu
Biography
Steve Sánchez, San Francisco native, is a Grammy award winning clarinetist and is a frequent guest clarinetist with the San Francisco Symphony since 2011; first as acting-bass clarinet and as acting-2nd clarinet for the 2021-2024 seasons. Additionally, Steve is a guest with the orchestras of the San Francisco Opera, San Francisco Ballet, and principal clarinet on the 2026 National Broadway Tour of Phantom of the Opera during its performances in San Francisco.
Steve has recorded and performed nationally with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra; and
internationally with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Steve has toured extensively
with the SFS and can be heard on every recording since 2011, including the 2023 release
of Stravinky’s Rite of Spring, Pines of Rome, and the Grammy nominated 2024 releases
of Stravinky’s Complete Firebird Ballet Score [1910]. Steve performed and recorded
as principal clarinet for the Grammy Award winning “Best Opera” recording of 2024
of Kaija Saariaho’s Adriana Mater, with the San Francisco Symphony under the direction
of Esa-Pekka Salonen. In addition to symphonic work, Steve can be heard in the Skywalker
Symphony on recordings for Blizzard Entertainment, which produces scores for the ongoing
World of Warcraft Saga, Overwach, HALO, and other Disney projects. The HULU release
“The Boston Strangler” featured Steve’s playing on contra-bass
clarinet.
As an educator, Steve serves as Professor of Clarinet at San Jose State University School of Music. Recent teaching engagements include Artist Faculty and Principal Clarinet at Festival Napa Valley and the Blackburn Academy. He has additionally been on the faculties of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and summers teaching at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp.
Steve Sanchez received his Masters in Music from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, and his BA in Music from Cal State East Bay. His principal teachers include Dan Gilbert and Fred Ormand; in addition to coachings and master classes with Stephen Williamson, and Yehuda Gilad. Away from the clarinet, Steve is passionate about vintage horology, French viticulture, travel, and seeking out the perfect cappuccino.
