Sandra Gonzalez

Alteña since: 2008

Instruments: Violin, Vocals

Sandra Fact: Sandra performed at the White House for President George W. Bush (she was on his left arm, Laura was on his right)!

Sandra Gonzalez was born and raised in San Antonio and started playing music at age 5. Sandra enjoyed classical music and was part of YOSA’s Philharmonic Orchestra for nine years, where was part of the first youth orchestra to travel to Europe. It was her father's influence that steered her to mariachi. He was self-taught, learned from the community through church, and formed his own mariachi group. Sandra began her mariachi adventure with Harlandale ISD and eventually joined her father’s group, Mariachi Tapatio, next to her sister. With the support of mariachi, she completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and has been a Neonatal and Postpartum Nurse since 1993. Sandra takes great pride in her nursing career but is ever grateful that mariachi music is what led her to performances all over the country. She has accompanied amazing artists and has shared the stage with Lucha Villa, Ana Gabriel, Mariachi Mujer 2000, Mariachi Divas, Mariachi Sol de Mexico, Mariachi Camperos and Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan. Plus, she has performed at the White House, the Kennedy Center, and the Hollywood Bowl, to name a few. Sandra started MLA in 2008 with a small family of her own and has loved witnessing her Alteña sisters grow their own families and continue successful careers. She and her husband Pete enjoy looking after their two daughters and reside in San Antonio, Texas.