A Rhode Island native, Vincent Mattera graduated from Terra Linda High School in San Rafael, California in 1968 and received his Bachelor and Master of Music Degrees from the University Of Rhode Island. His career as a music educator began in 1972 when he became the Director of Music at Nantucket Junior/Senior High School, a position he held for three years. From 1975 to 1978 he served as Assistant Band Director and Assistant Conductor of the Orchestra at the University of Rhode Island. Mr. Mattera also served as Assistant Director of the Rhode Island Music Educators Association Wind Ensemble and the Young Peoples Symphony of Rhode Island. As a clarinetist, Vince was a member of Artist Internationale Orchestra for six years and performed in many solo and ensemble recitals. As violist/violinist, he has been a member of the Fall River Symphony, the Ocean State Light Opera Orchestra and is currently a member of the South County Chamber Orchestra and the South Kingstown Faculty String Quartet. Vince served as the conductor of the Ocean State Youth Orchestra Repertory Orchestra for five years and had been a conductor on the Rhode Island Philharmonic Youth orchestra program for twelve years. Having taught for 26 years at East Greenwich High School where he was Director of Bands, Orchestra, String Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble, Vince is currently in his third year as Band and Orchestra Director at South Kingstown High School in Wakefield, RI. Besides teaching duties, Vince has served as the Chairperson of the Rhode Island All State Festivals and is a Past President of the Rhode Island Music Educators Association.

Mr. Mattera has traveled with the US Youth Ensembles on previous tours, and we are most fortunate to have him back with us again this year to lead our 2008 string ensemble.