Thiel College Names Samson Bands and Choir Director

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 theater. He is the ninth director in the choir’s 68-year history.

Samson has directed instrumental and vocal ensembles professionally in the public and private sectors, having previously served as the band and choir director for Chalker High School in Southington, Maestro Arts Performing Arts Academy in Sharon, and several community theaters within the region.

As an active freelance musician, 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 serves as the organist and accompanist for Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Austintown.

“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.

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, with his wife, Brianne, and their three children, Alexander, Brian, and Andrew.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.