Nate Brightup

Nate Brightup holds a Bachelors of Music Education from Friends University in Wichita, KS. His experience in education includes working as a Woodwind Technician for Wichita North High School, Substitute Teaching for Andover Public Schools, and has been working as an Assistant Band Director for Buhler Public Schools in Buhler, KS since July of 2025.

Brightup’s marching experience comes primarily from his time with River City Rhythm Drum and Bugle Corps, the Sky Ryders Drum and Bugle Corps, and ICT Winds. Nate marched mellophone for two years with River City Rhythm and was Mellophone Section Leader during the 2024 season. He will serve on the Visual Staff for RCR during the 2026 Season. 

For Sky Ryders, Brightup has been on staff since the 2024 season. He works as a Mid-Range Technician with Mellophones and Saxophones and has assisted on the Visual Staff as well. Lastly, Nate works with ICT Winds, an Indoor Winds group based out of Wichita, KS. He teaches on both the woodwind and brass staff for the group.

Nate is primarily a Tenor Saxophone player but also plays Clarinet, Mellophone and sings. If he finds himself with a spare moment, he enjoys spending time with his friends, playing pickle ball, watching movies, or playing video games.