Dr. J. William Nicholas appointed director of bands at SC State
Nicholas comes to SC State from a similar post at Tuskegee University.
鈥淚 often say that I consider our performing arts programs just as important to the culture and image of 亚洲无码 as athletics,鈥� said SC State President Alexander Conyers. 鈥淭hese students work hard to represent the university at the best of their ability as part of a treasured tradition at SC State, and they deserve the best leadership in return.
鈥淚 am confident that Dr. Nicholas will take our band programs to even greater heights. He knows well the importance of a marching band to HBCU culture, and I look forward to seeing how far he takes the legendary Marching 101,鈥� Conyers said.
Nicholas will officially join SC State on Sept. 1.
He comes to SC State after serving as director of bands at Tuskegee University, where he conducted the Tuskegee Winds, led the Marching Crimson Pipers, taught courses in conducting and general music, and oversaw all aspects of the band program. x He joined Tuskegee in 2022 after completing his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Wind Conducting at the University of South Carolina.
During his tenure at Tuskegee, Nicholas created the Tuskegee Winds, a new wind ensemble focused on instrumental pedagogy and wind band literature. He also doubled the size of the Marching Crimson Pipers and led the band to an invitation to the 2024 Pepsi National Battle of the Bands.
Leading the Marching 101 tradition
As director of bands, Nicholas will head all of SC State鈥檚 bands, including the world-famous Marching 101. With roots stretching back more than a century, the Marching 101 has grown into one of the most celebrated HBCU marching bands in the nation, known for its powerful sound, intricate drills, and showmanship that captivates audiences from the football field to national stages.
The band has earned national acclaim through performances at the Macy鈥檚 Thanksgiving Day Parade, presidential inaugurations, and professional football games. It continues to represent South Carolina with Bulldog pride across halftime shows, parades, and community celebrations.
Dr. Frederick M.G. Evans, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said Nicholas will play a crucial role in shaping campus life.
"The Director of Bands plays a vital role in shaping the spirit and culture of SC State University,鈥� Evans said. 鈥淒r. Nicholas鈥檚 vision and dedication will not only strengthen our musical excellence but also enhance the vibrant student experience we value so deeply. Dr. Nicholas's exceptional musicianship, proven leadership, and passion for developing student talent will be an incredible asset to our university and the broader community."
Dr. M. Evelyn Fields, dean of the College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, emphasized Nicholas鈥檚 broad experience.
鈥淲e are excited to welcome Dr. Nicholas to our music family here at SC State University,鈥� Fields said. 鈥淗e brings extensive experience in both marching and concert bands, including directing and performing. Our students will greatly benefit from his expertise and leadership. Additionally, his knowledge of the standards required for National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) accreditation is a tremendous asset. We are also encouraged by his vision to expand and strengthen our music programs.鈥�
Career foundation and recognition
Before his appointment at Tuskegee, Nicholas served as director of bands at Jones High School in Orlando, Florida, from 2014 to 2019. Under his leadership, the band program grew from 60 to more than 110 students, earned consistent superior ratings at district and state levels, and garnered national attention in 2018 when the school鈥檚 wind ensemble performed at Carnegie Hall following a $100,000 donation announced on the 鈥淓llen鈥� show. Nicholas was honored with the Florida Music Education Association鈥檚 Tom Bishop Award for his transformative impact at Jones.
Nicholas also maintains an active profile as a clinician and adjudicator, with presentations at the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Show, the College Band Directors National Association Southern Division Conference, and the Florida Music Educators Association Conference. He most recently conducted the 2025 Orange County Public Schools 9-10 All-County Concert Band.
He holds a Master of Music Education degree from Florida State University and a Bachelor of Science in music education from Florida A&M University.
Season opener performance
The Marching 101 will take the field this Saturday at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium as SC State opens its 2025 football season. Kickoff is at 6 p.m. Nicholas will assume leadership of the band later in the season.