Crescent Super Band Alumnus Dr. Ben Nichols to Lead Legendary Big Band at BYU
We’re thrilled to celebrate Dr. Ben Nichols, a standout graduate of Soundhouse, who now serves as Assistant Professor of Saxophone at Brigham Young University’s School of Music.
Appointed in September 2022, Dr. Nichols holds a unique dual role in both the Woodwind Division and the Commercial Music Division, where he is especially recognized for his work with BYU’s premier jazz ensemble, Synthesis.
Dr. Nichols is an internationally accomplished saxophonist, composer, and educator known for his expressive tone, versatility, and genre-spanning artistry. His performance resume includes collaborations with a long list of music legends such as Ben Wendel, Wycliffe Gordon, Jeff Coffin, Eric Marienthal, Steve Smith, Wayne Bergeron, Brian Bromberg, and many more. His classical and jazz experience is equally impressive, and he has performed across North and South America as well as Europe, appearing at renowned festivals and conferences including the North American Saxophone Alliance and Jazz Education Network conferences.
In addition to performing, Dr. Nichols is a prolific educator. Before joining BYU, he taught at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, University of Illinois – Springfield, and Lincoln College, teaching saxophone, improvisation, theory, jazz ensemble, and more. His research has been featured in leading journals such as Jazz in Education and Research by Indiana University Press.
Ben’s connection to Soundhouse began in his teenage years, where he was a featured soloist with the Crescent Super Band, including on the DownBeat Magazine award-winning album It Had to Be You. He later went on to marry his fellow Soundhouse bandmate, Suzy Lind.
Now Ben is helping to shape the future of jazz education at BYU—bringing full circle the mission of Soundhouse to launch world-class musicians and leaders.
Congratulations, Dr. Nichols—we’re proud to see your continued success and grateful for the example you set for our current students!
