Benjamin Nichols

Saxophonist and composer, Ben Nichols, has travelled across the globe, performing at large venues, intimate city concerts, and countless jazz festivals throughout North America, South America and Europe. He is known internationally for his expressive sound and energetic artistic style. He is frequently asked to play in many genres and has performed and recorded with contemporaries such as: Ben Wendel (GRAMMY-nominated saxophonist), Wycliffe Gordon (Juilliard Instructor), Jon Faddis (GRAMMY-nominated trumpeter), Jeff Coffin (three-time GRAMMY-winning saxophonist), Eric Marienthal (GRAMMY-winning saxophonist), Chip McNeill (GRAMMY-winning arranger/saxophonist), Terreon Gully (Christian McBride Band), Brian Bromberg (GRAMMY-nominated bassist), Steve Smith (legendary drummer of Journey), Wayne Bergeron (GRAMMY-nominated trumpeter), Kirk Whalum (seven-time GRAMMY-nominated saxophonist), Corey Christiansen (internationally acclaimed guitarist), and Noah Preminger (internationally acclaimed composer/saxophonist). He has also performed as a soloist with the Omaha Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Nichols is currently Assistant Professor of Saxophone at Brigham Young University where he runs the saxophone studio and directs the award-winning jazz ensemble, Synthesis. Nichols is the founder and director of the Crossover Saxophone Quartet. He was a featured soloist with this group as they world premiered his original arrangement of “Just Friends” at the N.A.S.A. Conference in 2020. Nichols is featured on three albums with the internationally acclaimed jazz ensemble, Synthesis. Nichols was a featured soloist on the band’s album The Day After Yesterday that was later submitted to DownBeat Magazine. Synthesis was then named the Top Large Jazz Ensemble in the nation by DownBeat Magazine. Ben performed/recorded flute, alto flute, clarinet, and saxophone on The Day After Yesterday.