Martin Saunders is Associate Professor of Trumpet and Jazz Studies at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Martin currently holds three degrees in music, a Bachelor of Music Education from Winthrop University, a Master of Music from Wright State University, and the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Oklahoma. Prior to teaching at Marshall University, Martin spent seven years in the Air Force Band program at Offutt AFB in Omaha, Nebraska. There he performed in the Concert Band, Ceremonial Band, and was the Lead Trumpeter and later Musical Director for the Noteables Jazz Ensemble.
Dr. Saunders has been an active performer and clinician for a number of universities, competitions, and music festivals across the United States. He is a member of the Marshall University Faculty Brass Quintet and also of Bluetrane, the Faculty Jazz Ensemble. For the past eight years, he has served as an Artist Faculty Member for the prestigious National Trumpet Competition, held annually in Washington, D.C. Martin was a judge for the 2000 International Trumpet Guild Jazz Competition, and was also a 1996 clinician for the Ohio State Chapter conference of the ITG. Martin has performed with a number of highly regarded entertainers such as Gladys Knight, Frankie Valli, The Temptations, Rich Little, Frank Sinatra, Jr., and Manheim Steamroller.