Steve Sánchez, San Francisco native, is currently acting 2nd/bass clarinet with the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra. Additionally Steve has performed with the San Francisco Symphony since 2011, first as acting-bass clarinet and most recently as acting-2nd clarinet for the 2021-2024 seasons.

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] and as principal clarinet for the 2024 release of Kaija Saariaho’s Adriana Mater, 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. His most recent 2023 score is the HULU release “The Boston Strangler”.

As an educator, Steve is currently Professor of Clarinet at San Jose State University School of Music. Recent 2024 teaching engagements include being an 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.