Directors
Ms. Ruiz -
Band Director
Ms. Ruiz is honored to be back in Okaloosa County where she grew up. Ms. Ruiz attended Niceville High School and was a part of the Niceville Eagle Pride. After High School Ms. Ruiz attended the University of West Florida where she graduated from with her Bachelors in Music Education in 2021. Before accepting the position at Shoal River Middle school, Ms. Ruiz was the Assistant Director of Bands at Milton High School where she completed her internship in the spring in 2021. Ms. Ruiz has been a member of orchestras, chamber groups, and jazz ensembles through the Northwest Florida area. Ms. Ruiz is a member of the National Association for Music Education, Florida Music Educators Association, and Florida Bandmasters Association.
Email: Noemi.Ruiz@okaloosaschools.com
Mr. Steadman -
Band Assistant
Mr. Steadman is returning to the classroom after retiring in 2021 following forty-three years as a teacher in the public schools of Florida and Mississippi. He spent twenty-six years teaching in Okaloosa County at Lewis School, Ruckel Middle School, and Eglin Elementary School. He has taught all grades K-12. Middle school band programs under Mr. Steadman’s direction have received the “Five-Year Superior Award” from the Florida Bandmasters Association on four consecutive occasions, and the “Music Enrollment Award” from the Florida Music Educators Association on three occasions. He is a recipient of the prestigious Oliver Hobbs Award, given in recognition of consistent commitment to bands and music education. In 2017, he was recognized by Omega Chapter of Phi Beta Mu (honorary bandmaster fraternity) as the Outstanding Band Director in the state of Florida. In November of 2019, he was inducted into the Florida Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame.
Email: Charles.Steadman@okaloosaschools.com