Nick Molenda
Cascades, Univ. of Washington - United States

Mr. Nick Molenda is a professional musician and educator who currently resides in Seattle, Washington, having received his education from the University of Washington with a BA/BM in Music Performance (Jazz Studies – Drumset). While at UW, Nick studied with John Bishop, Garey Williams, Tom Collier, Steve Korn, Mark Ivester, Josh Woodman, Jeff Wade, and was a member of the UW Drumline under David Reeves. His studies with Reeves opened him to the world of drum corps in 2005 where he went on to tour with world class DCI corps The Cascades during the 2005 and 2006 seasons. He has also been able to perform with and learn from such artists as Sharief Hobley, Billy Cobham, Marcus Miller, Stanley Clarke, Joe Santiago, Mike Stern, Kenny Garrett, Randy Brecker, John Scofield, The Bad Plus, Dave Weckl, Gregg Bissonette, Terry Bozzio, Chad Wackerman, Will Kennedy, Kenny Aronoff, and Marco Minnemann.

 

Currently, Nick can be seen performing with Eric Tollefson, Harps, and Discs of Fury. His performing career has taken him across the US and abroad on several occasions.

 

Nick is also the head percussion coordinator/arranger for the University of Washington Husky Marching Band. He has arranged for and worked with several groups over the past several years, including a few overseas. Currently, Nick is the percussion Caption Head with the Cascades Drum and Bugle Corps and the Head Percussion Coordinator for the Washington All-State Marching Band. In addition, Nick regularly consults with various high school groups around the Northwest.

 

Nick is also in demand as a session drummer in the Seattle area. In the past, Nick has been involved with Allen Stone, Andrew Vait, Brett Hite, Vintage Pink, Carson Henley, Tess Henley, Jesus Christ Superstar (directed by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award Winning Director, Brian Yorkey), Open Class DCI Corps Spokane Thunder, the Seattle Seahawks Blue Thunder, Seattle Sounders FC Soundwave.

 

Along with Pearl/Adams products, Nick also endorses Remo Drumheads, and Vic Firth drumsticks and mallets.