USU Alumnus, Air Force Vocalist Nicole Vander Does to Return for Patriotic Alumni Band Concert

LOGAN, Utah — Technical Sergeant Nicole Vander Does, USU alumnus and current soprano vocalist for the U.S. Air Force Band Singing Sergeants, will return for a special guest solo performance in the upcoming Alumni Band Concert. The concert will be 7 p.m. June 29 in the Daryl Chase Fine Art Center’s Daines Concert Hall.

The concert will feature a patriotic theme, celebrating American heritage and honoring military service through music. The program includes classic Americana repertoire such as “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “God Bless America,” and “Stars and Stripes Forever,” along with a tribute to the Armed Services. In a special collaboration, the American Festival Chorus will also be joining the USU Alumni Band for this performance.

The concert also celebrates the legacy of USU’s music alumni, many of whom have gone on to successful careers as professional musicians and educators across the country.

“We've sent out professionals to make their way in a very competitive world,” said Lane Weaver, director of athletic bands at USU. “The fact that we have so many alumni making careers out of making music is remarkable and a testimony to the dedication of our program and the importance of music and the arts.”

Vander Does stands out as a powerful example of perseverance and service through music among these successful graduates.

Her path to the Singing Sergeants began in her final semester at USU while she was auditioning for different post-grad roles.

“I received three emails from three different professors sharing the advertisement about the soprano position opening up in the Singing Sergeants,” Vander Does said. “I had no idea there were musicians in the military. As I researched them more and more, I knew I wanted to join them because of their purpose of honoring their veterans, inspiring patriotism around the nation and around the globe, and connecting and building relationships through the power of music.”

This career path has been deeply meaningful for Vander Does.

“From performing for The White House to deploying to the Middle East to being a featured soloist in Scotland's Military Tattoo has been nothing short of incredible,” Vander Does said. “I am honored to serve my nation through the gift and power of music.”

Vander Does credits much of her success to the training and mentorship she received at USU’s Caine College of the Arts.

“I had gone to three schools before I went to the Caine College of the Arts and the faculty at USU believed in my gift,” Vander Does said. “They pushed me to new heights and helped me get this position in the Singing Sergeants by preparing me musically. Because of their belief in me as a vocalist and performer, I was able to build my personal self-confidence and just go for it. I wouldn't be where I am today without them.”

For Vander Does, returning to USU isn’t just a performance, it’s a return to her musical roots.

“USU is my home. There's a special spirit that comes with walking down the halls of USU and hearing the music being played,” Vander Does said. “I had some pivotal moments happen at USU and I'm so grateful for them and coming and playing with the people I went to school with is incredible.”

Nicole’s journey and the Alumni Band Concert reflect USU’s commitment to exceptional education and building meaningful community connections.

The Alumni Band Concert is free and open to the public with no ticket required. For more information, visit the online calendar.