Nichole Heglund is a veteran music educator in Reno, Nevada, recognized for developing high-quality K-12 band, choir and elementary music programs. She is currently an elementary music educator in the Washoe County School District and serves as a mentor to new secondary music educators. In addition, she directs the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra and is the founder and director for the all-women’s group Sapphire Jazz Ensemble.
Nichole’s commitment to music education is evident through her time as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator. Her previous roles include saxophone instructor and internship supervisor at the University of Nevada, Reno, Instructional Coach for the Washoe County School District, Co-Director of the Lake Tahoe Music Camp, and Education Director for the Reno Jazz Orchestra. She also served as president of the Nevada Music Educators Association 2017-2019. As a saxophonist, Nichole has performed with the Reno Wind Symphony, Reno Municipal Band, Sapphire Jazz Ensemble and Reno Jazz Orchestra. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Nevada, Reno where she also completed graduate choral studies.
