Staff Directory
Dr. Todd Nichols
- Title:
- Director of University and Athletic Bands
- Email:
RVision: Meet Rutgers Marching Band Director Todd Nichols
Dr. Todd Nichols currently serves as Director of University Bands at Rutgers University. His duties include administration of the university band program, directing the Marching Scarlet Knights and Symphonic Winds, and teaching undergraduate and graduate conducting. As Director of the MSK, Dr. Nichols led highly acclaimed performances at the 2025 London Band Week, 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, 2021 Music for All Grand Nationals finals performance, multiple appearances at NFL’s Monday Night Football, and for United States President Joseph Biden. Dr. Nichols served as a Guest Lecturer at New York University and Columbia University, is Past President of the Big Ten Band Director’s National Association.
Dr. Nichols annually serves as a guest conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and recording producer and is especially honored to have guest conducted the United States Army Field Band. In addition, he serves as artistic director for the Princeton Brass Band and the Eastern Wind Symphony, a position he has held since 2010. Dr. Nichols conducted highly acclaimed performances at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center and records regularly with the EWS. Under his direction has been invited to perform at numerous major music conventions including the 2021, 2015 and 2008 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. Dr. Nichols has co-authored two articles published in The Journal of Band Research, WASBE Journal and was published in The Conductor’s Companion – 100 Rehearsal Techniques, Imaginative Ideas, Quotes, and Facts.
Dr. Todd Nichols currently serves as Director of University Bands at Rutgers University. His duties include administration of the university band program, directing the Marching Scarlet Knights and Symphonic Winds, and teaching undergraduate and graduate conducting. As Director of the MSK, Dr. Nichols led highly acclaimed performances at the 2025 London Band Week, 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, 2021 Music for All Grand Nationals finals performance, multiple appearances at NFL’s Monday Night Football, and for United States President Joseph Biden. Dr. Nichols served as a Guest Lecturer at New York University and Columbia University, is Past President of the Big Ten Band Director’s National Association.
Dr. Nichols annually serves as a guest conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and recording producer and is especially honored to have guest conducted the United States Army Field Band. In addition, he serves as artistic director for the Princeton Brass Band and the Eastern Wind Symphony, a position he has held since 2010. Dr. Nichols conducted highly acclaimed performances at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center and records regularly with the EWS. Under his direction has been invited to perform at numerous major music conventions including the 2021, 2015 and 2008 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. Dr. Nichols has co-authored two articles published in The Journal of Band Research, WASBE Journal and was published in The Conductor’s Companion – 100 Rehearsal Techniques, Imaginative Ideas, Quotes, and Facts.
For nineteen years, Dr. Nichols served as Director of Bands at Roxbury and Edison High Schools in New Jersey, where his ensembles were recognized nationally for excellence. Dr. Nichols also performed professionally as a freelance percussionist and drummer in hundreds of performances with prominent professional ensembles and musical acts.
Dr. Nichols was inducted into the American Bandmasters Association and American School Band Directors Association in 2016, received two NBA Citations of Excellence, and was awarded the NJ Governor’s Teacher Recognition Award.
Dr. Nichols resides in Branchburg, NJ, with his wife, Beth, and two daughters Sarah and Emily (who are both currently proud members of the MSK).
Saturday, August 15
Thursday, August 06
Thursday, August 06
Tuesday, August 04
