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
Mrs. McAllister - Assistant Band Director
Mrs. McAllister is ecstatic to return to her hometown to teach instrumental music full time. She is a proud Crestview High School alumna, where she played clarinet and served as the 2015 Drum Major for the Big Red Machine. Mrs. McAllister obtained a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from The University of Southern Mississippi in 2021 and a Level 1 Orff certification from Florida State University in 2022. Prior to her appointment at Shoal River Middle School, Mrs. McAllister taught elementary music at Eglin Elementary School from 2021-2025 and private clarinet lessons across Okaloosa County since returning to the area. Additionally, she has performed with a variety of instrumental ensembles and choral groups across the Southeast United States and South Korea. Mrs. McAllister currently holds professional memberships in the National Association for Music Education and Florida Music Educators Association.
Email: Rachel.McAllister@okaloosaschools.com