Education:
Master of Music, Wind Conducting and Percussion, East Carolina University (2014)
Bachelor of Arts in Music, Percussion and Composition, UNC Charlotte (2011)
Bachelor of Science in Communication, Electronic Media, Western Carolina University (2006)
Hometown: Belmont, NC
Nick recently completed a graduate degree while serving multiple roles in the ECU School of Music. He taught and wrote for the ECU Marching Pirates drumline, assisted with conducting the ECU Bands (Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble), and co-directed the ECU Basketball Pep Bands. In addition, he ran the competitive Forza East Percussion Ensemble and consulted, instructed, and arranged for various high school drumlines in eastern North Carolina, primarily West Carteret High School. His years at UNC Charlotte prepared him to enter the academic environment as a leader.
"I came into UNC Charlotte as a somewhat nontraditional student, with a little bit of experience under my belt. My education at UNC Charlotte helped to equip me in formal areas of academic music in which I was lacking. The faculty and staff of the Department of Music at UNC Charlotte are top notch. The knowledge and experience my professors provided me I hold with extreme gratitude!"
Nick looks back fondly on the camaraderie of the UNC Charlotte Department of Music. "In the percussion studio at UNC Charlotte, eight to ten students shared one practice room full of equipment, and therefore spent a great deal of time together. This provided us opportunity to get to know each other very well. We became a small family within the Department of Music, and I have countless memories of laughing until we cried, as well as being frustrated with those same particular brethren when I wanted to practice 'in peace.' I’m very thankful for all of the experiences I had with that group!"
In June 2014, Nick joined the UNC Charlotte Department of Music to oversee the 49er Drumline.