Payden Nichols
Marching On with Beaufort High School Sea Island Sound
story by MEGAN THIBAULT MORRIS photos by PAUL NURNBERG
Catching up with Payden Nichols, director of Beaufort High Instrumental Music, was no easy task before school was in session. This was not because he was enjoying his summer by traveling, lounging at the beach, or even sleeping in. Payden was working full-time weeks before school began to prepare for the upcoming season for the Beaufort High School Marching Band, which is well known as the Sea Island Sound.
This summer, Payden hosted two full weeks of band camp for approximately 36 students who will be participating in the season ahead. Yes, it’s a season, just like sports. In fact, Payden can convince you that marching band is a varsity sport.
“Marching band is a big commitment for our students, and just like any other sport, they face competition, judges, scoring, training, and practice, practice, practice,” says Payden. “And as their director, I am always in “band mode” pushing them to be the greatest they can be.”
In addition to his role of Marching Band Director, Payden also teaches classes like Concert Band and Orchestra to numerous students throughout the school day. He is passionate about music and does not deny that music is his life. In the bits of free time he can claim, Payden is working on his master’s degree in Music Education and just accepted a position as guest director for a local community band.
His commitment is clear, and his style is notable. Payden teaches “corps style” marching band techniques. This allows the program to have artistic elements in its formations and concepts. Each performance follows a unique theme expressed in the way the band moves, the shapes they create, and the music they select. The added element of storytelling through their performances is an approach, as well as their director’s dedication, that is greatly appreciated by the high school students.
“When I graduated last year and went to the band room for the last time, I really felt the spirit of it all. Being part of the band meant so much to me,” recalls former BHS Marching Band student McKinley Coleman. “This is a great program with wonderful people who come together to learn and grow.”
That experience is just what Payden wants to achieve as he leads his students from all grades, backgrounds, and levels of academics. His goal is to have a fun and nurturing environment where students feel safe and welcome. He is a shining example of how the band can positively impact a student’s life, offering a sense of self and security.
Now in his fifth year, Payden offers a sense of consistency to the program and the students. That was missing for a little while as Beaufort High went through four directors in five years before Payden was hired. Now the well-built program showcases the Sea Island Sound in the community and on the road. Not only will the Marching Band perform at each of the BHS Football half-time shows, but they will also travel to four competitions on Saturdays and attend an exhibition at Bluffton High School.
The Sea Island Sound has long been a point of pride for Beaufort High School,” says Assistant Principal Carrie Chappell. “Our band students produce high-quality music and take pride in their ensemble under Mr. Nichols’ mentorship and direction. Mr. Nichols works longer hours than just about anyone on our staff to build his program, create great music, and meet the high expectations of our community. Beaufort High students are lucky to have the opportunity to be part of the Sea Island Sound.”
The vision for this program is to continue the traditions while keeping pace with trends and the concept of marching band as a sport. Each student knows that they will play the entire show, and that their exercises and training will prepare them for the challenge. For the upcoming band season, the overall title will be “Emotionality” with themes of excitement, serenity, and rage. It sure will be a magical performance. And, equally as exciting is the band’s return to the stands during the football games this year. This amplifies the school spirit and brings everyone together to root for the Eagles.
If you are looking for other chances to see Beaufort High’s musicians, look no further than performances by the Dance Classes, Voices Choir, and Theater Shows. Chances are good that talents of the instrumental students are woven into other artistic areas of student work too.
Catch the half-time shows of the Sea Island Sound while enjoying home football games at Beaufort High School:
Friday, August 20
Friday, September 3
Friday, September 10
Friday, September 24
Friday, October 1
Friday, October 15
