Spotlight on Our Staff: Nickolas Carlson
After listening to one of Nickolas’ many delightful performances, one might say that Nick was born with a conductor’s baton in one hand and a fiddle in the other!
Born in Salina, Kansas and raised in Lindsborg, Kansas, Nickolas has a multi-generational lineage of musicians. Plus, his home town is famous for its almost two-hundred year history of musical celebrations of its deep Swedish heritage. Some say that Lindsborg is “more Swedish than Sweden.” Since 1881 the Bethany Oratorio Society has performed Handel’s “Messiah” every Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, and Bach’s “St. Matthew’s Passion” on Good Fridays.
In this rich environment, Nickolas began playing music at a very young age. In second grade, he began studying piano, and in fourth grade, he began studying the violin. Ultimately, he attended Kansas State University for a short time and then went on to complete his bachelor’s degree at nearby ELCA school Bethany College. He completed his studies with a master’s degree in conducting at Wichita State University while spending two and half years simultaneously working toward a music education degree.
With degrees in hand and a thirst to see the musical world on the coast, Nickolas moved to Seattle and began working with St. Martin’s University and a local theater group. To our great fortune, Pastor Carol and Nickolas connected, and he began his music ministry here. When asked what drew him to Good Shepherd, Nickolas said, “…the openness, the inclusivity, the friendliness, and being aligned with Pastor Carol on how to choose music!”
Basically, all things music at Good Shepherd are his job description. Researching music for new ideas, rehearsing and conducting the choir from the piano and organ, performing on almost any instrument, and occasionally composing a short piece of music for services…plus other musical needs that arise!
When asked about something unusual in his past or current life, Nickolas replied, “I can drive an 18 wheeler!” Raised on a cattle and wheat farm, he was regularly called upon to lend a hand for the family business.
