Nick Nichols

A native of Belmont, NC, Nick Nichols holds 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.

After graduating from Charlotte in 2011, Nichols completed a graduate degree while serving multiple roles in the East Carolina University School of Music; teaching and writing for the ECU Marching Pirates drumline, assisting with conducting the ECU Bands, and co-directing the Basketball Pep Band. In addition to his roles at ECU, Nichols was the Battery Caption Head and Arranger for the West Carteret High School Marching Patriots, and the Executive Director of Forza East Percussion Ensemble. In the past, he 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.

While at WCU, Nichols 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. Nichols 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.

Nichols 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. He is a Vic Firth educational artist and proudly endorses/performs with Vic Firth sticks and mallets, Evans Drumheads, and Zildjian Cymbals.

Nichols is an Orff-Schulwerk Level 1 certified music educator, teaching Music at Polo Ridge Elementary in Charlotte, NC, and directing the school’s chorus of 90 students; and was named the school’s Teacher of the Year for the 2024-25 school year. He also serves as the Co-Chair for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Elementary Honors Chorus.

Nichols and his wife Laura live in Belmont with their two children, Copeland and Ada, and two dogs, Murphy and Millie.