ATLANTA — For Christofer Sanchez (B.S. ’26), music has been a constant shaped by both culture and curiosity.
Born in Honduras and raised in Newnan, Ga., Sanchez grew up surrounded by a wide range of musical influences. That early exposure sparked an interest that continued to grow through school performances, from elementary talent shows to marching band, choir and musicals.
“I knew that I loved music too much to choose another career path,” Sanchez said.
Encouraged by a high school teacher who was a Georgia State alumnus, Sanchez auditioned for the School of Music as a jazz bassist. He began his studies in jazz performance before transitioning during his sophomore year to music production and audio recording, a shift that aligned more closely with his evolving interests.
At Georgia State, Sanchez found growth both in and beyond the classroom. He credits Advanced Jazz Improvisation with Instructor Kevin Bales as one of the most impactful courses in his studies.
“Not only did this help with receiving the knowledge that Kevin was teaching, but it also set me on a journey to discover myself."
Collaboration became a defining part of his experience. Through connections made in class, Sanchez worked with peers on studio recordings, live performances and summer music camps — opportunities that extended his learning into professional settings.
One of his most meaningful projects came during the 2024 Holiday Gala, where he was selected to collaborate on an original composition titled "Don’t Wait." The process of creating and performing the work alongside fellow students marked a significant artistic milestone.
“By the time we were finished, it felt like the piece was more than just a song we created for performance,” he said. “It had become a story that embodied all of our combined experiences as students, artists and people.”
Balancing coursework, rehearsals and creative work presented challenges, but Sanchez learned to prioritize, adapt and stay organized throughout his time at Georgia State.
“The biggest thing that GSU taught me is how to be a good student,” he said. “I’ve learned to lean on people and to be humble.”
As he prepares to graduate, Sanchez is working on an album he plans to release and is preparing for travel to Brazil and Honduras, where he hopes to continue expanding his musical perspective.
“If I could be one of those people for someone else, then I feel like my mission would be complete," he said. "Just enjoy it. There is a time for everything, so don’t try to rush through school. The best part of being at GSU is being at GSU.”