Greenville-native Nicholas Samson named director of bands and choir at Thiel College

Posted July 24, 2020Communications and Marketing Department

GREENVILLE, Pa.—Nicholas Samson has been named the director of bands and choir at Thiel College.

Samson will oversee music groups on campus as well as teaching within the Department of Music and Theatre. Samson is the ninth director in the choir’s 68-year history.

Samson has directed instrumental and vocal ensembles professionally in both the public and private sectors, having previously served as the band and choir director for Chalker High School in Southington, Ohio, Maestro Arts Performing Arts Academy in Sharon, Pa., and several community theaters within the region. As an active freelance musican, he performs regularly with his steel drum band, PanTropix, as well as various other musical ensembles including the Greenville Symphony Orchestra, Warren Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra. He is the organist and accompanist for Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Austintown, Ohio.

“As a native of Greenville, I have a personal connection to Thiel College’s music department.  Throughout my teenage years, I was fortunate enough to come to campus each week to study music with Professors Emeriti Michael Bray and Kathryn Gray,” Samson said. “Walking the halls 20 years later as the Director of Choir and Bands will be a truly humbling and special experience for me.  I am grateful to Thiel College for giving me this opportunity, and I am excited to meet the students and begin making music together.”

The Thiel Tomcat Marching Pride is celebrating its 10th season. In that time, the Marching Pride has played at many local and regional band festivals and performed at Disney World in Orlando, Fla.

Samson earned both his bachelor’s degree in music education and master’s degree in music performance from Youngstown State University. He resides in Sharon, Pa. with his wife, Brianne, and their three children, Alexander, Brian, and Andrew.

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About Thiel College

Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.



Thiel College
75 College Ave
Greenville, PA 16125
1-800-248-4435