OUR MEMBERS

Together, We Create Music

Francisco Díaz

President and Music Director, Conductor

Francisco Díaz

President and Music Director, Conductor

Francisco Diaz, hailing from Venezuela, is the Director of the Sunstate Orchestral Program, based in Tampa.
With over 30 years of teaching experience in El Sistema, Francisco has established himself as a renowned educator and musician.
He holds a Doctoral Degree in Education, Master's degrees in Music and Higher Education, and a Bachelor's degree in Music Education.
Francisco is a certified Florida teacher and a member of the Florida Music Educators Association.
Beyond his professional achievements, he cherishes spending time with his family and enjoying the company of his beloved dog.

Jesús Sira

Conductor and Violin Faculty

Jesús Sira

Conductor and Violin Faculty

Jesus Sira, originally from Venezuela, is a talented violinist and an experienced music teacher.
He served as a member of the Symphony Orchestra of Lara and held a teaching position at the Conservatorio de Música Vicente Emilio Sojo in Barquisimeto, Venezuela.
Currently based in Tampa, Jesus brings his wealth of knowledge and skill to the Sunstate Orchestral Program.
With a passion for music education and orchestral direction, Jesus is dedicated to fostering the growth and development of students.
When he's not immersed in music, Jesus enjoys spending time with his family and indulging in BBQ gatherings.

Isabella Díaz

Violin Faculty

Isabella Díaz

Violin Faculty

Staff information coming soon! Stay tuned for updates on our talented team members.

Valeria Sira

Violin Faculty

Valeria Sira

Violin Faculty

Valeria Sira, a violinist from Barquisimeto, Venezuela, began her musical journey at the age of 7 at the Barquisimeto Music Conservatory.
She has participated in youth orchestras in the state of Lara and was privileged to be part of the Simon Rattle-led Venezuelan Youth Symphony Orchestra.
Valeria achieved first place in a Venezuelan popular music competition.
She has received guidance from renowned maestros throughout her career.
Valeria's passion for education led her to pursue studies in preschool teaching at Pinellas Technical College in Clearwater.
She enjoys exploring diverse artistic endeavors and spending quality time with loved ones.

Mariana Barrios

Violin Faculty

Mariana Barrios

Violin Faculty

Staff information coming soon! Stay tuned for updates on our talented team members.

Astrid Sánchez

Flute and Voice Faculty

Astrid Sánchez

Flute and Voice Faculty

Staff information coming soon! Stay tuned for updates on our talented team members.

Rafael Ramírez

Violin, Viola and Mandolin Faculty

Rafael Ramírez

Violin, Viola and Mandolin Faculty

Staff information coming soon! Stay tuned for updates on our talented team members.

Luis Orozco

Guitar and Drums Faculty

Luis Orozco

Guitar and Drums Faculty

Staff information coming soon! Stay tuned for updates on our talented team members.

Mauricio Rodríguez

Double Bass Faculty

Mauricio Rodríguez

Double Bass Faculty

Staff information coming soon! Stay tuned for updates on our talented team members.

Werners Arocha

Oboe Faculty

Werners Arocha

Oboe Faculty

Staff information coming soon! Stay tuned for updates on our talented team members.

Samantha Sira

Flute Faculty

Samantha Sira

Flute Faculty

Samantha Sira, a talented flutist from Lara, Venezuela, began her musical journey playing violin at a young age before switching to flute.
She has performed with various orchestral programs and received private lessons from esteemed professors. Samantha currently works as a flute and keyboard instructor at the Sunstate Musical Program.
Alongside her musical pursuits, she holds a management role at Regency Oaks Senior Living. In her free time, Samantha enjoys outdoor activities, traveling, and spending time with loved ones.

Leonel Méndez

Clarinet, Saxo, Guitar and Vihuela Faculty

Leonel Méndez

Clarinet, Saxo, Guitar and Vihuela Faculty

Staff information coming soon! Stay tuned for updates on our talented team members.

Antonio González

Percussion Faculty

Antonio González

Percussion Faculty

Antonio M. González C., a highly experienced percussionist from Venezuela, has dedicated over 30 years to his craft.
He received his percussion training in the National System of Youth Orchestras of Venezuela and studied at the José L. Paz Conservatory in Maracaibo.
Antonio's remarkable skills led him to become the principal percussionist in the Lara Symphony Orchestra.
He has trained with renowned maestros and served as the Coordinator of the Percussion Department at the Vicente E. Sojo Music Conservatory.
With his talent, Antonio has participated in numerous international festivals and tours. In addition to his musical pursuits, he enjoys engaging in sports activities.

Rodolfo Echegaray

Cello Faculty

Rodolfo Echegaray

Cello Faculty

Rodolfo Echegaray, a talented cellist from Barquisimeto, Venezuela, has received extensive training in cello performance through El Sistema and the Vicente Emilio Sojo Conservatory.
With a background in education and a passion for teaching, Rodolfo has served as a cello professor at various institutions, including the Sistema de Orquestas Venezuela and the UCLA in Barquisimeto.
Alongside his musical pursuits, he finds enjoyment in sports, particularly running.

Leonardo Méndez

Trumpet Faculty

Leonardo Méndez

Trumpet Faculty

Leonel Leonardo Méndez, a highly accomplished clarinetist and saxophonist from Venezuela, has a wealth of musical experience.
He studied under renowned maestros in Trujillo and Caracas and holds a Master's degree from the prestigious Conservatorio "Cesare Pollini" in Italy.
Leonel founded the Chamber Orchestra of Trujillo and played a crucial role in the Youth Orchestra of Venezuela.
With his extensive teaching and conducting experience, he has made significant contributions to the field of music education.
In his leisure time, Leonel enjoys vacation cruises.