Directors

Nicole graduated from the University of South Dakota in 2014 with a bachelor's degree in music education. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Music Education from Northern State University. While in undergraduate studies, Nicole was a member of The Sound of USD marching band as drum major, participated in the symphonic band, concert band, woodwind ensemble, concert choir, jazz band and pep band. Before coming to Roosevelt High School, she was the High School Band Director at Madison Central High School in Madison, SD for 5 years and she spent 2 years as the 7-8 instrumental music teacher at Watertown Middle School in Watertown, SD. Nicole is currently an active member of NAfME and the South Dakota Bandmasters Association and is an alumna of the international music fraternity Phi Kappa Lambda. She was also selected to be part of the 2019 class of USD’s 30 under 30.

Nicole’s teaching career expands beyond the classroom and into the private lesson studio. She teaches her own private studio of middle and high school students in Sioux Falls, SD. Nicole’s performing career includes playing for the National Community Band and previously with the Watertown Municipal Band and Madison Community Band. Currently, Nicole resides in Sioux Falls with her husband, Jordan, two boys, Grayson and Reddik, and their dog and cat, Rockne and Rosie.

Jake is in his fifth year teaching, having spent the first three at Rifle Middle School in Rifle, Colorado.  He is a proud Roosevelt alumnus (‘12) and is excited to return as the assistant band director!  Jake graduated from Augustana University in 2016 with his Bachelor of Arts in music and biochemistry, and he received his Master of Education in Teaching from the University of Sioux Falls in 2018.  He is also currently enrolled at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, where he expects to graduate with his Master of Music Theory and Composition in 2024.  A Sioux Falls native, he has enjoyed many opportunities to perform, including with the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, Northwest Iowa Symphony Orchestra, Sioux Falls Municipal Band, Jazzfest, and performing extensively while at Augustana.

Outside of music, Jake enjoys playing board games (especially chess), cooking new recipes, and watching documentaries on YouTube.  He lives in Sioux Falls with his wife, Becca, who is a musician as well—she sings with the South Dakota Symphony Chorus and is the choir director at Tea Area Middle School.  Together, they enjoy traveling just as much as they do relaxing at home with their three cats, Ruth, Theo, and Bernie.