Sandra Lewis teaches orchestra and band at Henry M. Gunn High School. She resides in San Jose, California with her husband Jason and their two sons. Mrs. Lewis began her musical training at the University of Hawaii where she studied both clarinet and violin and received a Bachelor of Music Degree. She completed a Master’s Degree in Violin Performance at San Francisco State University.
Passionate about chamber music, she was the recipient of the Morrison Chamber Music Fellowship. Participating in this program provided opportunities to train with the Alexander String Quartet known for mentoring aspiring musicians for careers in music. After receiving her Master’s Degree she served as one of three directors at The Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music in Nelson New Hampshire from 1989-2000. In 1999 she went with Apple Hill Chamber Players to Amman, Jordan where they shared their “Playing for Peace” project. She continues to inspire young musicians to play chamber music and provides numerous opportunities for each member of the Gunn Orchestra to participate in chamber ensembles throughout the school year.
Mrs. Lewis started her tenure with Henry M. Gunn High School in August of 2002, teaching both band and orchestra. Her groups consistently receive Superior ratings at CMEA festivals and contests. She has performed at the CMEA Bay Section Conference and twice for the CMEA State Conference. Under her leadership, the Gunn Orchestra has collaborated with area high schools to sponsor joint concerts between schools, worked with world class conductors and composers, and performed in Stanford Lively Arts student matinee performances on the Stanford Campus.
Sandra Lewis was awarded the California Music Education Association Richard L. Levin Orchestra Educator of the Year for 2014 at the State Conference in February. She was also awarded the 2014 CMEA Bay Section Outstanding Orchestra Teacher of the Year, which was awarded at the Bay Section Conference on January 11, 2014.