NUOVI VENTI WIND ENSEMBLE
Albuquerque, New Mexico
BIOGRAPHIES
John C. Emory received his Bachelor of Music Degree from California State University, Long Beach in 1974 and for 20 years
taught public school music in Northern California. While at CSULB, he was principal cellist with the University Symphony
Orchestra, and was a founding member of the University String Quartet. In Northern California, along with his teaching duties, he
was principal cellist with the Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra and assistant principal with the Walnut Creek Performing Arts
Society Chamber Orchestra. In addition, he was a member of several trio, quartet, and quintet ensembles. Since moving to New
Mexico in 1995, music has taken him in new directions. He enjoyed being a part of the music staff of Holy Faith Episcopal Church
in Santa Fe from 2002-2005. Proficient with woodwind instruments as well as the cello, he currently enjoys playing saxophone
and clarinet, and directing the Rio Grande Symphonic Band.
In-demand music clinician and adjudicator, Nathan James Matherne is the new band director at Del Norte High School in
Albuquerque, New Mexico. Formerly, he was the director of bands at Cibola High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico where he
served from 2009 to 2020. Prior to his appointment at Del Norte High School, Mr. Matherne held a director position at both
Cibola High School (Abq, NM) for 11 years and Goddard High School in Roswell, New Mexico, for 3 years. During his tenure at
Cibola High School he has also taught a variety of classes including Orchestra, Jazz Band, Color Guard, Percussion Ensemble,
and his newly formed Caribbean Steel Pan Band.
Mr. Matherne hails from the St. Louis, Missouri area originally. After completion of his Music Education degree in Springfield,
Missouri, he moved to sunny New Mexico where he has no plans to leave any time soon! While in Roswell, New Mexico, Mr.
Matherne completed his Master’s Degree in Music through Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas.
In addition to his Euphonium and Piano studies throughout High School and College, Mr. Matherne has performed with the world-
renowned Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps and Phantom Legion Drum and Bugle Corps. He was a member in 1999 –
2003 and acted as the Color Guard captain in the Madison Scouts in 2002 and 2003.
Mr. Matherne’s bands have received national acclaim through their performances at festivals throughout the United States,
including San Diego, Seattle, and Dallas.
Mr. Matherne is an avid music advocate. He constantly serves on committees and boards to promote and instill a deep love of the
arts into the students, parents, and community he works with. His most recent accomplishment is the implementation of a new
music education policy in The Albuquerque Public Schools to help music students achieve graduation requirements. He plans to
make waves with some new course offerings in the Albuquerque Public Schools in the future.
Steve Ruger is an independent saxophonist and a co-recipient of the 2003 Downbeat Magazine music award for best chamber
ensemble. He has studied under the tutelage of Jean Lansing at Wichita State University, and Vince Gnojek at the University of
Kansas.
From 2007 to 2021, Steve held the position of principal saxophonist and served as a board member for Concordia Santa Fe, Inc. –
a professional level wind ensemble based in Northern New Mexico. He has performed locally with the Rio Grande Symphonic
Band, Chamber Chops, as well as many other performances in the Albuquerque area. He is a champion for new music and is an
active composer and arranger.
Steve serves as Deputy City Manager for the City of Rio Rancho and holds the title of Certified Municipal Clerk. He oversees
several departments including: Utilities, Libraries, Fire/Rescue, IT, the Office of the City Clerk, as well as City Management
administrative staff. Prior to his post as Deputy City Manager, Steve held positions in local government financial management,
housing authority administration, and served as City Clerk for both the City of Rio Rancho and the City of Aurora, Colorado.
Steve is a member of the International City/County Management Association’s (ICMA) Institute on Race, Equity and Inclusion.
He is also a member of ICMA’s Chief Equity Officers’ Cohort.
