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We are excited to introduce Mr. Sasse as the new Music Director for CHS.  Here is a little about him…

Nicholas Sasse is an educator and composer from the Pacific Northwest. He began his musical journey at the age of nine with private piano lessons. In sixth grade, he joined band as a clarinet player and quickly connected with the sense of belonging and community that music had to offer.

During his undergraduate studies at Central Washington University, Nick majored in both music education and music composition. Additionally, he served as principal clarinetist in the Wind Ensemble, was a section leader in marching band, and served on the student leadership board for the music department. Nick graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2023 and soon after began a student teaching internship at Cedarcrest High School. Following his internship, Nick joined Broadway Bound Children’s Theatre as music director. He then spent the 2024–25 school year as music director at Springbrook Elementary School in the Kent School District. Now, he is incredibly excited to return to Cedarcrest High School as music director!

Nick’s educational philosophy centers around the idea of empowerment. He believes every student is a vital part of the team, each bringing something valuable and unique. Everyone has different strengths, and by helping students discover what makes them special, Nick supports their growth in a way that is honest and personal. His goal is to create a space where students can thrive both as individuals and as members of a larger community.

As an active composer whose music has been performed across the United States and in Europe, Nick is a strong advocate for musicians to explore their own modes of expression. He believes that empowered expression, coupled with community, is what makes music such a powerful art form.