Monday, September 17, 2001
Do you know where your orchestra leader is? Do you know who she is?
Middle Tennessee State University’s orchestra conductor is located in the Wright Music Building, and her name is Carol Nies.
Throughout the halls of the Wright Music Building, you can witness the sounds of musical brilliance orchestrated by MTSU’s very own orchestra students by walking just a few feet inside the doors.
Vocalists are capturing the very essence of their gifts of song throughout the entire building, but as you reach the second floor, the sounds are even more enhanced.
From first entering Nies’ office, this Miami native exhibited kindness and a professional decorum that heightened with a firm handshake.
Her kind demeanor was illustrated when she gladly talked about her experiences before and after obtaining the position as orchestra conductor here at MTSU. Her office was filled with the same experiences in music as the hall, which led to her cozy retreat.
A grand piano in the corner of her room drew attention to her intellectually creative styles that are documented in every orchestra performance she conducts.
Growing up, this professional double-bass player stopped playing due to an injury but she did not despair.
Though she was temporarily unable to pursue her goal as a musician after the injury, she decided to keep music a focal point in her life by studing conducting.
She has never regretted her decision.
“I love conducting,” Nies said. “It’s something that I knew I must do.”
With extensive professional experience under the label of cover conductor and conducting assistant with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the associate conductor of the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra, Nies is well qualified to take on the MTSU’s Orchestra conductor’s title.
She also has conducted the Greater New Haven Youth Orchestra, worked with undergraduates and graduates at the College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, the Mannes College of Music in New York City and the Branford College Chamber Orchestra at Yale University and is currently conducting the Nashville Youth Symphony.
Under her instruction, there are 45 members in the MTSU orchestra this year.
“We hope to have 60 for next year,” Nies said. She describedher present 45 members as the “best of the best.”
“We want to recruit (future orchestra members) from the entire student body,” Nies said.
Nies said her students have a diverse background of majors, ranging from recording industry to business.
She said this is a significant factor in the growth of the orchestra.
“She is one of the best teachers I have ever had,” said Scott Seaton, a conducting student.
“She really commits herself,” he said, commenting on her dedication.
Nies obtained her position as the orchestra conductor of MTSU by being recommended by a committee, which interviews applicants after they are approved by the university.
The MTSU orchestra, under the direction of Nies, will perform at the Wright Music Hall Oct. 25 and Dec. 8 at 8 p.m.
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