Alexandro Nichols, M.M.

Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, Alexandro Nichols currently serves as the Director of Bands and the Career Arts Coordinator at Thurgood Marshall Middle School in Antioch, Tennesee, a position held since 2012. Nichols began his musical journey in 1999 at Thornton Township High School in Harvey, Illinois. However, in 2000, he transferred to Thornridge High School (Dolton, IL.), where he studied percussion intensely under Golden Apple Award recipient and Grammy Nominated educator David Eanes. Under Eanes’ direction, Nichols would make first chair in the Illinois Music Educators’ Association’s All-State Honors Orchestra during his senior year, making him the top high school percussionist in the state. In 2003 he earned a musical scholarship to attend Tennessee State University (TSU). At TSU, Nichols studied percussion under well-established instructors Dr. Tony Artimisi, Johnny Lee Lane, Teddy Hall Jr., and Dr. Sean Daniels. During his enrollment at TSU, Nichols became a member of and performed with TSU’s nationally acclaimed marching Aristocrat of Bands, serving as percussion section leader from 2005 to 2008. He was also the principal chair percussionist in the Wind Ensemble.

In addition to being a percussionist, Nichols played Baritone Saxophone, performing with the internationally renowned TSU Jazz Collegians. While a member of the Collegians, Nichols earned awards such as “Best Style,” the “Woody Herman Jazz Award,” and “Outstanding Musician.” During his musical studies, he has performed with well-known artists such as Maynard Ferguson (Trumpet), Pharez Whitted (Trumpet), Rod Magaha (Trumpet), Wycliffe Gordon (trombone), and others.

Nichols is currently pursuing his Doctorate in Education from Trevecca Nazarene University. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Music Education from Tennessee State University, where he published his work on Muscle Memory. He is a member of the Middle Tennesse State Band and Orchestra Association (where he is a judge for Mid-State percussion auditions), the Tennessee Music Educators’ Association, the Tennessee Band Maters’ Association, and the National Association for Music Educators. His wind ensemble at Thurgood Marshall Middle School has (and continues) to receive Superior Ratings at music festivals and concert performance assessments.