Nicolas Propes is a highly experienced and versatile music educator and conductor, known for his dedication to teaching and leading musicians across all levels, from elementary school beginners to junior high, high school, college, community, and professional ensembles. He is currently the 7th Grade Band Director at North Scott Junior High School in Eldridge, Iowa.

In recognition of his exceptional work as a music educator, Nicolas was the inaugural recipient of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra Music Teacher Award in 2024 celebrating teachers who create engaging learning environments, foster student growth, and contribute positively to their communities. This prestigious honor highlights Mr. Propes’ dedication to inspiring young musicians and his outstanding contributions to the field of music education in the Quad Cities area.

In the local music scene, Nicolas conducts the Big River Brass Band, a British-style brass band comprised of adult community members from the Quad Cities area. This ensemble performs five to six summer concerts in community parks throughout Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, has participated in the Iowa Municipal Band Festival in Boone, Iowa, appeared as guests of the Sterling Municipal Band in Sterling, Illinois, and has collaborated with the United States Coast Guard Band and Navy Band Great Lakes. Their popular holiday concert in December annually attracts standing-room-only audiences. The Big River Brass Band has featured renowned guest soloists like Rex Richardson, trumpet; Jon Hodkin, tuba; and Marc Zyla, horn; and they have premiered multiple pieces including "For Emily" by William Gilmour and works commissioned by them from composers James Stephenson (“RiverField”) and Michael J. Miller (“Ode to Joy”). Recordings of the Big River Brass Band are frequently featured on WVIK, Quad Cities Public Radio. Nicolas regularly appears as a guest on WVIK's “Perspectives” with Mindy Heusel and has been featured on the “What’s Happening QC” and “Because” podcasts hosted by Marc Zyla.

Propes has received notable recognition for his work in conducting. He won The American Prize in Conducting—Band/Wind Ensemble (Community/Schools Division) for 2019-20. Additionally, he won 3rd Place for The American Prize in Conducting (Community Band Division) in 2024 and was named as a national finalist for The American Prize in Conducting—Band/Wind Ensemble (Non-Collegiate Division) in 2023. Under his direction, the Big River Brass Band was also awarded 3rd Place in the national American Prize–Band/Wind Ensemble Performance (Community Division) in 2024. Nicolas was also honored to be nominated for the Southeast Iowa Bandmasters Association Karl King Award (Active) for his significant contributions to music education and the local music community in Southeast Iowa in 2023 and 2024.

Nicolas has extensive experience in adjudication and clinics. He has adjudicated events such as the Southeast Iowa Bandmasters Association Junior High Large Group Festival (March 2022), Illinois Elementary School Association Music Organizations for State Area 4 (April 2023), and the Quad City Wind Ensemble Concerto Competition Auditions (2020–2022). His clinic work includes participating in sessions like the West Music "Recruiting Band & Orchestra Students in 2021" panel (Jan. 2021), Glenview Middle School Band Rehearsathon (Feb. 2020), and various brass sectionals for North Scott High School, Quad City Youth Symphony Orchestra, and St. Ambrose University between 2016 and 2020. He has also guest conducted for ensembles like the Quad City Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, served as a lecturer at the University of Iowa’s Instrumental Conducting program, and was an adjunct instructor in the Music Education Department at St. Ambrose University.

Nicolas has guest-conducted numerous ensembles such as the Quad City Wind Ensemble, United States Coast Guard Band, Quad City Symphony Orchestra, Bettendorf Community Band, Windjammers Unlimited Summer Convention Band 2024, and was twice the guest conductor for Quad City Tuba Christmas. 

Nicolas's active involvement in the music community extends beyond his teaching and conducting duties. He is a member of the Iowa Bandmasters Association (IBA) and the Southeast Iowa Bandmasters Association (SEIBA), where he has held the positions of Public Relations/Elections Chairperson and Technology Chairperson. He is also a member of the Association of Concert Bands and Windjammers Unlimited and has served on the board of the Quad City Wind Ensemble as President and Public Relations Chairperson.

Nicolas Propes earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the University of Iowa in 2002 and his Master’s Degree in Conducting from the American Band College of Sam Houston State University in 2015. Nicolas started his teaching career in the Pleasant Valley Community School District in 2003, where he quickly established himself as a respected educator. His ensembles consistently received top ratings at festivals and contests, and he inspired many students to continue their musical pursuits beyond high school.

In 2016, Nicolas joined the staff of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra as Orchestra Librarian, where he worked closely with the Music Director and musicians to procure and prepare music for concerts. In 2018, he transitioned to the marketing department of the QCSO as the Digital Media Assistant, focusing on photography, videography, and social media to promote the orchestra’s offerings. One of Nicolas' favorite things is to bring the professional musicians he got to know during his time at the QCSO to meet and inspire his current junior high band students. Hearing live, up-close performances by professional musicians is a wonderful learning tool and something that Nicolas strives to do 4-5 times per year for his students.