David Nicholson, after graduating from Mississippi State University, guided the Carthage, MS band program to its first-ever All-Superior ratings. Nicholson then served the Pearl (MS) School District where All-Superior ratings were consistently earned in concert, marching, sight-reading, and jazz throughout his tenure as director of bands, including a performance at the USM Conductors’ Conference, and an MBA (now Bands of America) Grand Championship title at the MBA Southwest Regional in Houston, TX. The Pearl Band was also a finalist in the MBA/BOA Summer Nationals (Whitewater, Wisconsin) and Grand Nationals (Johnson City, TN).
David and wife Sue were named Co-Outstanding Band Directors of Mississippi in1982-83. The Nicholson’s twice served as directors of the Miss. Lions All-State Band, winning the Lions International Parade Championship in 1980 (Chicago), and in 1982 performing a field show at the Durban, South Africa Military Tattoo eight consecutive nights.
David is a member of Phi Beta Mu, Phi Mu Alpha, Florida Bandmasters Association, and has adjudicated band events in 20 states. After a career in fundraising, David most recently served as assistant band director, Madison-Central HS, Madison, MS and continues to judge nationally. The Nicholson’s, in 2022, were named Most Outstanding Contributors to the band programs of Mississippi.
David and wife Sue were named Co-Outstanding Band Directors of Mississippi in1982-83. The Nicholson’s twice served as directors of the Miss. Lions All-State Band, winning the Lions International Parade Championship in 1980 (Chicago), and in 1982 performing a field show at the Durban, South Africa Military Tattoo eight consecutive nights.
David is a member of Phi Beta Mu, Phi Mu Alpha, Florida Bandmasters Association, and has adjudicated band events in 20 states. After a career in fundraising, David most recently served as assistant band director, Madison-Central HS, Madison, MS and continues to judge nationally. The Nicholson’s, in 2022, were named Most Outstanding Contributors to the band programs of Mississippi.