Nichole Heglund, RYJO Music Director

About Nichole Heglund

Nichole Heglund is a prominent music educator and musician in Northern Nevada and California. Originally from Denver, Colorado, she moved to Reno in 2003 and began her career teaching music.

Career and Accomplishments

Since 2003, Nichole has taught a wide range of musical groups, including jazz ensembles, bands, and choirs. Her teaching career has spanned several schools in the Reno area, including Swope Middle School, Wooster High School, and Billinghurst Middle School. She currently teaches at Verdi Elementary School and Veterans Elementary School.

In addition to her teaching roles, Nichole became the Education Director for the Reno Jazz Orchestra in 2019. She is now the Music Director for the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra and the Sapphire Jazz Ensemble, a new all-female big band. As an active musician, she performs as a saxophonist and serves as a guest conductor and clinician.

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Education and Personal Life

Nichole's educational background includes a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado, where she met her husband, Andrew Heglund. She also holds a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Nevada, Reno. She and her husband have two sons, Isaiah and Mathew.