Nick Nichols

A native of Belmont, NC, Nick hold degrees from Western Carolina University (2006 – BS Communication), University of North Carolina at Charlotte (2011 – BA Music/Percussion), and East Carolina University (2014 – MM Performance). He has directed percussion for the Pride of Niner Nation Marching Band since its inception as the 49er Drumline in 2014.

While at ECU, Nick served as the Percussion Instructor and Percussion Arranger for the East Carolina University Marching Pirates since 2011, and also as Co-Director of the ECU Basketball Pep Bands in 2013 and 2014.  While in Eastern NC, Nick was the Battery Caption Head and Arranger for the West Carteret High School Marching Patriots.  In the past, Nick has also served as the Percussion Caption Head at North Lincoln High School from 2007 to 2011,  arranging battery percussion for the “Band of Knights,” as well as designing for and directing the “NL Black” Indoor Drumline, and Concert Percussion Ensemble.  Nick is also currently the Director of Forza East Percussion Ensemble, an Independent Open Class ensemble competing under the umbrella organization of Winter Guard International.

While at WCU, Nick performed with the Sudler Trophy-winning “Pride of the Mountains” Marching Band, the WCU Percussion Ensemble, and Jazz Bands.  At UNC Charlotte, he performed with the Percussion Ensemble, as principal percussionist in the Wind Ensemble and Concert Band, and the Jazz Combos.  At ECU, the Percussion Ensembles and Wind Ensemble, and also as guest conductor for all three of ECU’s concert bands.  Nick was a charter member of Carolina Thunder Entertainment (now known as Carolina Panthers Purrcussion), and has been a sought-after musician for various local music engagements in the Charlotte and Eastern NC regions.

Nick has studied percussion privately with Dr. Jonathan Wacker, Rick Dior, Rick Cline, Dr. Mario Gaetano, and Matt Henley, as well as Conducting with Dr. Scott Carter and Mr. Bill Staub.  Nick is an Innovative Percussion educational artist and proudly endorses/performs with Innovative Percussion sticks and mallets, Remo Drumheads, and TreeWorks Chimes.

Nick and his wife Laura live in the Charlotte area with their two dogs, Murphy and Millie.