{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Episode 82 - Michael Nickens","description":"Dr. Michael Nickens, aka "Doc Nix" is the Director of Athletic Bands at George Mason University. He joins the show to discuss the incredible variety of bands at GMU and share his thoughts about inclusiveness and building community. Topics: The Green Machine Bands and Ensembles The birth of the \u201cDoc Nix\u201d and how the persona and wardrobe have become a part of making the Green Machine pep band a signature part of the George Mason basketball games. How a student violist who wanted to become part of the group led to a diverse ensemble that includes the standard band instrumentation but also features vocalists, rappers, string players, and more. The importance of building and being present as part of a community both to build a program and also to rely on the community in times of need. Michael\u2019s musical background growing up in Northern Virginia as a tuba player, high school drum major, student conductor, and even a composer and how his varied experiences have led him to his current success Links: Dr. Michael Nickens The George Mason Green Machine Doc Nix and The Green Machine Music, identity, diversity, convergence - TEDxGeorgeMasonU Biography: Serving as Director of Campus Life Ensembles and Collaborative Arts, and as an Associate Professor of Music, Dr. Michael W. Nickens (a.k.a. Doc Nix) is most recognized as the leader of the \u201cGreen Machine\u201d, which in 2015 was named the #1 pep band in college basketball by the NCAA and commended by the Senate and House of Delegates of the Commonwealth of Virginia. In addition, Dr. Nickens launched Mason\u2019s fife and drum corps and WGI world-champion drumline, and oversees Mason\u2019s winterguard. This collection of performing units, known as the \u201cGreen Machine Ensembles\u201d, are internationally known for their thrilling, high-energy performances at Mason ceremonies and basketball games, professional sports games and events (Capitals, Nationals, Wizards, and Redskins), community events (Celebrate Fairfax, and the Nike Womens\u2019 Half Marathon), and marching competitions, as well as their popular internet videos that have over 100 million views collectively.   Dr. Nickens was named the 2016 Faculty Member of the Year by the George Mason University Alumni Association. He served as a Faculty Representative to the Board of Visitors, Chair of the Faculty of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, Chair of the CVPA  Diversity Committee, and as a member of the School of Music\u2019s Graduate Committee. Having joined the faculty of Mason\u2019s School of Music in fall 2006, he has taught courses in sight-singing\/ear training, popular music in America, improvisatory music, brass methods, applied tuba, composition, chamber music, and jazz improvisation, as well as collaborations with Mason\u2019s School of Dance. In addition, he was a co-founder and co-conductor of the Colonial Athletic Association\u2019s \u201cBreakfast with the Bands\u201d intercollegiate pep band showcase.   During summers, he has taught tuba and euphonium, conducting, jazz performance, composition, improvisation, chamber music, large ensemble performance, and theory at the Performing Arts Institute at Wyoming Seminary in Kingston, Pennsylvania, the Music, Art, and Theatre (MAT) Camp in Evanston, Wyoming, and the Northern Arizona University Music Camp in Flagstaff, Arizona, and at Mason\u2019s Potomac Arts Academy.  He has also coached a professional marching ensemble, \u201cMix It Up\u201d, at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia.   Dr. Nickens was born in Washington DC and grew up in the Fairfax County Public Schools in Alexandria, Virginia. He completed his academic degrees from the Manhattan School of Music, Yale University, and the University of Michigan.   -------- Special thanks to VanderCook College of Music for sponsoring this episode. With a world-class faculty, a location just minutes from downtown Chicago, and an intensive summers-only masters program, it's no wonder VanderCook College of Music has graduates teaching music in all 50 states, 21 countries, and 6 continents.  Make next summer your most inspiring summer yet by pursuing a Masters in Music Education at VanderCook College of Music. And for the next generation of music educators, VanderCook offers an exceptional, comprehensive 4-year Bachelor of Music Education program. VanderCook Admissions information is available at www.vandercook.edu. ","author_name":"Everything Band Podcast","author_url":"http:\/\/www.markjconnor.com\/eb-podcast","html":"