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 Instrumental Conducting and Music Composition. Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, and a graduate of the Class of 2004 from Eastwood High School, he was active in his community as both an educator to area high school marching programs, Winterguard Ensembles, Indoor Percussion Ensembles, 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 at Eastwood Knolls Middle School. Since then, he has been asked to compose and arrange for high schools across the United States, some schools who have received high music rankings or awards at various marching band competitions. John A. Matthews II was the 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 a drum major for the PRIDE of New Mexico Marching Band, New Mexico State University,  for three years, one as Assistant and two as Head Drum Major, and was also a member of the trumpet and colorguard sections. 

John A. Matthews II is an Eagle Scout and tries to stay active with the scouting community by volunteering as a music and bugle merit badge counselor. John served as the Director of Bands at Eastwood High School, in El Paso, Texas from 2021-2024 and served in previous Director of Bands positions at Copper Hills High School in West Jordan, Utah, Mills University Studies High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, and Assistant Director of Bands at Andress High School, in El Paso, Texas. John A. Matthews II was a member of the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps from 2003-2007, performing for three years on Lead Trumpet and two years on Lead Mellophone. He was also a member of the brass staff of the Blue Knights during the 2009-2011 seasons. John A. Matthews II has been on the Board of Directors for the Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps since 2020.  Mr. Matthews was also a founding member of the Battalion Drum and Bugle Corps, starting in 2014, and served as the Assistant Brass Caption Head and Brass Arranger from 2014-2018, and the Brass Caption Head and Brass Arranger from 2019-2021. 

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

This is Mr. John A Matthews, II’s first year as Director of Bands at Jefferson/Silva Magnet High School.