Ella Kate Nichols
Biography
Ella Kate Nichols is a first-year graduate student at the University of Mississippi. She is pursuing a Master’s degree in Music Education, where she serves as a graduate assistant for the band program. As a trumpet player and native of North Mississippi, Ella Kate is a music educator dedicated to continuing her family’s legacy in education as a fourth-generation teacher. Ella Kate graduated magna cum laude from the University of Mississippi in May 2025 with a Bachelors of Music, emphasis in instrumental education. During her time at Ole Miss, she performed in a variety of ensembles, including the Pride of the South, University of Mississippi Wind Ensemble, Mississippians Jazz Ensemble, Lafayette-Oxford-University Orchestra, Trumpet Ensemble, and the UM Student Brass Quintet. She also served as a section leader on the Leadership team for Ole Miss Bands. Her contributions were recognized with the university’s Outstanding Undergraduate in Music Education (Instrumental) award. Ella Kate completed her student teaching at Lewisburg Middle and High School, where she further developed her commitment to teaching. Prior to her time at Ole Miss, she earned an Associate of Arts degree from Itawamba Community College in 2022 and graduated from Pontotoc High School in 2020. In addition to her academic and performance experience, Ella Kate teaches private lessons and serves as a marching and brass technician for bands across the region, striving to inspire and support the next generation of young musicians.