Joseph Alcocer

String Orchestra Director

Joseph Alcocer is the new Orchestra and Mariachi Director at Nina Otero Community School in Santa Fe Public Schools. He also serves as a String Specialist with the Santa Fe Symphony’s education programs and is a performing member of Mariachi Diferencia de Santa Fe. In the summers, Joseph is on the violin/viola and string orchestra faculty at Hummingbird Music Camp. 

An educator and performer with a career spanning Michigan, Texas, and New Mexico, Joseph has built a reputation for elevating programs and student achievement. He previously served on the faculty of Eastern New Mexico University and led significant program growth as High School Orchestra and Mariachi Director for Roswell ISD, where his ensembles earned consistent sweepstakes ratings and his mariachi students were invited to perform at the Viva Aztlán Festival in Lubbock, Texas. His work has taken him to classrooms and conference stages alike, presenting at music education gatherings across New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Michigan.

Dedicated to advancing string education, Joseph is an active board member of the American String Teachers Association New Mexico Chapter and is a Bornoff FASE Diverse String Teacher Fellow, advocating for access, equity, and cultural relevance in music programs.

Outside the classroom, Joseph vintage arcade cabinets, is an avid Marvel Comic reader, and continues to perform, learn, and share music that bridges traditions and communities.