Nick Hibbard

Nick Hibbard is a conductor, composer, performer, and music educator based in southeast Kentucky, where he is passionate about building musical communities that are rooted in excellence, authenticity & heart. Now in his fifth year as a public school educator, Nick serves as Director of Choirs at Corbin High School and Musical Director for Redhound Theatre, where he leads a wide range of choral ensembles and theatrical productions.

Nick holds a B.S. in Christian Theology and an M.A. in Teaching P–12 Music from the University of the Cumberlands. He is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Choral Pedagogy through Westminster Choir College, furthering his commitment to lifelong learning and vocal pedagogy. His choirs have performed across Kentucky and beyond, including appearances in four different states and at the Canadian Embassy. Under his direction, ensembles consistently earn Superior, Distinguished, and Best in Class honors at festivals and assessments.

As a musician, Nick is known for his versatility and artistry, equally comfortable in the roles of conductor, tenor soloist, and instrumentalist. His performance background as a saxophonist and vocalist informs his dynamic approach to both choral and instrumental music. He is especially drawn to Appalachian folk music, sacred choral traditions, and new works that speak to community, identity, and resilience.

Nick’s theatrical credits as musical director include Into the Woods, Elf the Musical, Little Shop of Horrors, and A Christmas Carol, where he brings storytelling to life through expressive musical direction and student-centered collaboration. His work with young performers emphasizes ownership, artistry, and joy in the rehearsal process.

Nick is an active member of the Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA), the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), the Kentucky Choral Directors Association (KCDA), and the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP). Nick is also the Vice-President of the Southeast Kentucky Music Association. Through these professional affiliations, he remains connected to a broader network of music educators, conductors, and church musicians.

As a composer and arranger, Nick creates works that reflect the rich musical heritage of Appalachia and the lived experiences of his students and community. Whether writing original choral works, arranging traditional hymns, or adapting folk melodies, his music seeks to honor the past while giving voice to the present.

Above all, Nick believes that music has the power to heal, unite, and tell the stories that matter most. He is committed to fostering spaces where all singers feel seen, valued, and empowered to share their voices.