Vanessa Santamaria serves as the Associate Director of Bands at McKinney Boyd High School. Her teaching responsibilities include leading the Symphonic Band 1 and Jazz Band, co-teaching the Marching, Honors, Symphonic 2, and Concert bands, and assisting the feeder middle school band programs.

Ms. Santamaria grew up in McKinney, Texas, where she graduated from McKinney Boyd High School. During her time as a student at McKinney Boyd, Ms. Santamaria served as the Brass Captain and Euphonium Section Leader in the Marching Band and was a member of the Honors Band. Ms. Santamaria also played bass guitar in the Jazz Band and was a member of the Varsity Choir.

Ms. Santamaria earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Houston, where she studied euphonium under Mr. Danny Vinson, was a member of the Spirit of Houston Marching Band, and was a member of the Concert Band. During the 2010 season, Ms. Santamaria marched Baritone with the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps. Ms. Santamaria also holds a Master of Music in Music Education from Kent State University and a Master of Education in School Counseling from Lamar University.

Ms. Santamaria previously served as the Assistant Director of Bands at Quintanilla Middle School in Dallas ISD. Her professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and Texas Jazz Educators Association.

Ms. Santamaria’s hobbies include spending time with her family and pets. She has two dogs, Lily and Olive, and two cats, Elliott and Fynn.