Clinician Detail

Chad Nicholson - Biographical Information

Chad Nicholson is the Director of Bands at the University of Arizona School of Music where he conducts the Wind Ensemble and leads the graduate program in wind conducting. He is also the Principal Guest Conductor of the Beijing Wind Orchestra, China’s only professional wind ensemble. As a conductor, writer, recording artist, and educator, Nicholson has impacted students and music teachers around the world. He was an adjudicator for the All-Chinese Wind Band Contest and has conducted groups in Tokyo, Taipei, and Shanghai. He has led ensembles at China’s National Centre for Performing Arts and at the Beijing Concert Hall. A new edition of his book, Great Music for Wind Band, has been translated into Mandarin and will be released in Asia later this year. Dr. Nicholson published a series of video masterclasses, Pro Tips for Band Directors, with Forward Motion, LLC. These videos provide in-depth score study ideas, rehearsal techniques, and conducting suggestions for standard wind band works. The University of Arizona Wind Ensemble recently released a new album, Joy and Monsters: The Music of Joel Love, through SoundSet Records. Nicholson has served as an All-State conductor, clinician, and presenter at many international events, including the Carnegie Hall Symphonic Series, the Taiwan Band Clinic, the Western International Band Clinic, the NAfME National In-Service, the Bands of America Division Festival, and The Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. Nicholson holds degrees from the University of Oklahoma, New Mexico State University, and Indiana University.