JOHN MATTHEWS - BRASS ARRANGER, INSTRUCTOR

John A. Matthews, II graduated from New Mexico State University, where he received a bachelor's degree in music education and master's degree in conducting. Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, he was active in his community as both an educator to area high school marching programs as well as beginning bands. His love and passion for music started at a very young age.

 

He took a strong interest in composition after premiering his first work in the 8th grade. Since then, he has been asked to compose and arrange for high school across the United States, some schools whom have received high music rankings or awards at various marching band competitions. John was a featured composer for the NMSU Corno Crew (the university's elite horn choir) for two years, and has produced commissioned works for the New Mexico Musical Arts Society and other organizations. He was the drum major for the PRIDE of New Mexico Marching Band for three years and was also a member of the trumpet and colorguard sections.

 

He also is an Eagle Scout and tries to stay active with the scouting community by volunteering as a music and bugle merit badge counselor. John is currently the director of bands at Copper Hills High School in West Jordan, Utah, having previously served as the head band director of Mills University Studies High School in Arkansas. John was a member of the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps from 2003-2007, performing for three years on trumpet and two years on mellophone. He was also a member of the brass staff during the 2009-2011 seasons.

 

Outside of the busy life of a musician, John is an active member of his church, where he is a member of the Praise and Worship Team, playing various instruments.