Meet 2025 Presser Scholar Samuel Nixon
All signs pointed to CU Boulder in Samuel Nixon’s search for a university. It’s close to his hometown of Littleton, Colorado; his high school teacher is an alum; and in his freshman year, he even got to room with his best friend from home.
“I chose CU for a number of reasons—the music program is one of the top in the nation, and [Professor of Flute] Christina Jennings is an incredible teacher,” he says. “I worked with her before deciding to go to CU when I participated in her Panoramic Flutist seminar—I really enjoyed that.”
Nixon—who’s set to graduate with a Bachelor of Music in flute performance on May 8—made the most of his time at the College of Music, from playing in our Early Music Ensemble and all of the large band and orchestra ensembles to taking a class in jazz improvisation, completing a business minor and Music Entrepreneurship Certificate and participating in chamber music.
“Chamber music has been the biggest highlight of my time here,” he reflects. “I’ve done chamber music almost every semester.
“In my sophomore year, I helped found a wind quintet and they’re still meeting today. That’s been the biggest highlight.”
With Nixon on flute, Luka Vezmar on oboe, Nikhila Narayana on clarinet, Nate Bonin on horn and David Guy on bassoon, the Ascensore Quintet takes its name from a charmingly odd day when they couldn’t find a room to practice in. Out of options, the musicians set up shop in an elevator and ran their practice there. Ascensore? “Elevator” in Italian.
“We’ve connected really well as people and the quintet members are some of my closest friends at school,” says Nixon. “Our rehearsals are just such a joy—we probably laugh more than we get work done—and I think that’s a good place to start when you’re making music with other people.”
By faculty vote, Nixon is the College of Music’s 2025 Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award recipient based on his high level of musical and academic excellence, demonstrated leadership and community impact. “This recognition affirms that I’m on the right career path,” he says of the $3,000 award. “That doesn’t mean that I haven’t had doubts along the way. But I have really found a deep love for music.”
Adds Jennings, who nominated Nixon for the award: “Sam is a wonderful human, flutist and artist citizen. I’m unbelievably proud of his artistic and academic achievements.”
In turn, Nixon credits Jennings for being a fundamental part of his undergraduate experience. “She has made a huge impact—not just in the way I play the flute, but also in the way I present myself and interact with others. She’s been very kind and I love getting to work with her.”
Looking ahead, Nixon will pursue a master’s degree in flute performance at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Congratulations to Samuel Nixon and all of our 2025 graduates!