Welcome to the Sam Barlow High School Bands Page

Sam Barlow High School has 5 bands; a symphonic, concert, freshman, jazz, and stage band. Director of Bands Paul Nickolas directs the Symphonic Band, Freshman Band, Stage Band, Concert Band, and Jazz Bands.

There are over 200 students enrolled at Sam Barlow in the bands. The bands at Barlow have won many awards for excellence in district and also OSAA competitions. Band students at Sam Barlow that attend All State, All Northwest, or place at State competitions get inducted onto the Wall of Fame.

Click here to view the Barlow Band Calendar

50th Anniversary and Commissioned Music

For Sam Barlow High School's 50th Anniversary, composer Kevin Walczyk was commissioned to write a celebratory piece of music to commemorate our anniversary. 

Please visit the Commissioned Music Project for more details.



Director

Paul Nickolas

Paul Nickolas began to teach at Sam Barlow in 1999, after having completed a Masters in Wind Conducting degree at Indiana University. A born and raised New Yorker, Mr. Nickolas attended Indiana University and completed a Bachelor of Music Education degree with high distinction in 1994. He spent 3 successful years of band directing in Morris, Illinois before returning to Indiana University for his Masters Degree in conducting.

Mr. Nickolas and his wife Amy live in Gresham with their daughters Julia & Molly, son John, and two pets.

Student Information

Listening References
     Girl from Ipanema - Jamey Aebersold
     Just Friends - Jamey Aebersold
     Star Eyes - Jamey Aebersold
     Slow Blues in F - Jamey Aebersold
     Fast Blues in Bb - Jamey Aebersold
     Steep & Deep Rhythm Section
     Im Old Fashioned