EMMA MARTINEZ
Class of 2017
CADET/INSTRUCTOR/JUDGE
Cadet Years: Color Guard (1997-2000)
Cadet Color Guard Captain: 2000
Cadet Color Guard Staff (2001-2012)
Color Guard Caption Head (2008-2009)
Cadet Distinguished Service Award
Cadet of the Year: 2000
Staff Member of the Year
HER CADET STORY:
Emma Martinez is veteran of DCI and WGI with over 35 years of experience in the Marching arts. She is an active instructor, judge, designer and consultant. Originally from Canada, Emma performed with several drum corps and winter guards from the North including Genesis II, Patriots, Emerald Knights, Cardinals and the Oakland Crusaders. From there she went on to perform with the Cadets of Bergen County, the Bluecoats and the Emerald Marquis.
Emma performed with the Cadets from 1997-2000. She achieved awards such as the Distinguished Service award, Cadet of the Year and two DCI World Titles in 1998 & 2000. As color guard Captain during her age out year of 2000, she had the honor of being featured by PBS during Finals week. They did several interviews and followed her before, during and after her Championship performance. Emma was hired to teach the color guard immediately after aging out and was an integral member of the staff from 2001-2012. Emma was Caption Supervisor in 2008 & 2009 and was awarded Staff Member of the year during her tenure. In 2003, DCI magazine wrote an article called “Leading women in drum corps” and Emma was honored with a feature. During her years on staff, the Corps achieved 2 DCI World Championships, a multitude of medals, and the incredible “George Zingali” award for Best Color guard.
After performing, Emma moved to South Florida and went on to help build the Flanagan High School Winter guard and band program from 2001-2016. In her tenure at Flanagan, she helped the color guard achieved many WGI medals and two World titles in Scholastic World Class.
Emma was honored to be inducted into the Cadets Hall of Fame in 2017 and currently serves on the Hall of Fame committee. Emma has also designed, consulted and taught several programs around the country including Stoneman Douglas, Legacy Independent, Ooltewah Marching Band, Cooper City High School, Vista Ridge HS, Liberty Hill HS and the Boston Crusaders. Emma has been active in judging for both Marching band and Winter guard circuits.
In the summer of 2024, Emma moved to Austin, TX. She lives with her husband, two children and their pets. She works full time in Infection Prevention, has both her Bachelors and Masters in Nursing as well as Certification in Infection Control.
