Nichole Heglund

Nichole Heglund is a prominent music educator, saxophonist, and conductor in Northern Nevada and California. Originally from Denver, Colorado, she relocated to Reno in 2003, where she has taught band, choir, and jazz ensembles across the Washoe County School District. Holding 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, she has served as the Reno Jazz Orchestra's Education Director since 2019. Alongside her extensive work in local schools, Heglund directs the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra and founded the Sapphire Jazz Ensemble—an all-women big band dedicated to empowering women in music and inspiring younger generations.