Nate Brightup

Nate Brightup is a Senior Music Education Major graduating in December of 2024 from Friends University in Wichita, KS. His time at Friends has been spent balancing involvement with performing ensembles, extra-curricular musical activities, and the pursuit of a high level of education. He has performed Classical Tenor Saxophone for Recitals, Bass Clarinet and Clarinet for the Wind Ensemble, Tenor Saxophone for the Concert Jazz Band, Soprano Saxophone for the Saxophone Quartet, and was the Bass I Section Leader for the Singing Quaker choir. Nate served as the Collegiate National Association for Music Education President from Fall of 2022 to Spring of 2024 and was a Student Conductor for the Campus Band studying under Dr. Shawn Knopp. Outside of Friends, he has performed Saxophone with the Hutchinson Symphony and plays locally in musical pit orchestras. Nate worked for three years with Wichita North High School as a Band Assistant and Marching Consultant, working part time with the Marching Band, Concert Band, and Jazz Band. He teaches saxophone lessons to students from the Wichita area. 

Nate’s marching experience comes primarily from his time with River City Rhythm Drum and Bugle Corps. Nate marched Mellophone for two years with River City Rhythm and was Mellophone Section Leader in the 2024 season. Nate also assisted with the 2024 Sky Ryders season through his work in the pre-season clinics. These experiences opened his eyes to many powerful pedagogical techniques for both brass and the visual arts of marching. 

Nate is excited to be part of the Sky Ryders Performing Arts Foundation and the revival of its Drum and Bugle Corps. He is looking forward to learning from the greats and teaching the future leaders of the marching arts! 

To contact Nate, please email brightupn@yahoo.com