Nicolas Propes, Part 2
On this week’s episode we hear part 2 of the becauses of Nicolas Propes.
Nicolas Propes is an experienced and versatile music educator and conductor, having taught and conducted musicians at all levels from elementary school beginners, to junior high, high school, college, community, and professional ensembles. In 2020, Nicolas was honored to have been presented with the American Prize in Conducting, Band/Wind Ensemble Community Band Division for his work with the Big River Brass Band, a British-style brass band consisting of members from the Quad Cities (IA/IL) area. He has recently been named as a finalist for The American Prize in Conducting, Band/Wind Ensemble Non-Collegiate Division in 2023 and is currently awaiting the selection of this season’s winner.
Mr. Propes earned his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the University of Iowa in 2002 and his Master's Degree in Conducting from the American Band College of Sam Houston State University in 2015. He began directing school band programs in 2003 in the Pleasant Valley Community School District and established himself as a qualified and respected teacher. Numerous ensembles under his direction received top ratings at festivals and contests, but more importantly, he inspired countless students to create music through their high school years, many of whom have gone on to be life-long appreciators of music.
In 2016, Nicolas joined the staff of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra as Orchestra Librarian. In addition to working closely with and learning from the Music Director and musicians of the QCSO, during his two years as Orchestra Librarian, Nicolas used the opportunity to incorporate his passion for photography by taking photos and videos of the symphony and transferred to the marketing department in 2018 as the Digital Media Assistant in charge of photography, videography, and social media.
He currently teaches band at North Scott Junior High, continues his conducting career as the director of the Big River Brass Band, and works with students at every opportunity including ensemble/sectional coaching, guest conducting, adjudication, and one-on-one conducting lessons. He is active in Iowa Bandmasters Association and Southeast Iowa Bandmasters Association where he has been past Website Chairperson and is the current Public Relations/Election Chairperson.
