Bratcher, Nicholas: - A native of Conway, South Carolina, Dr. Nicholas Bratcher serves as Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). There, he conducts the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Chamber Winds, and teaches courses in conducting, music education, and courses in diversity in music studies. He is an active guest conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and performer throughout the United States and a burgeoning scholar and researcher in the field of wind band music internationally. Bratcher earned the Bachelor's Degree in Music and the Master of Arts in Music Education from Coastal Carolina University (Conway, South Carolina). He later earned the Doctorate in Music Education with studies in Conducting from the University of Georgia (Athens, Georgia) where he studied with Mary Leglar, John Lynch, and Mark Cedel, respectfully. Bratcher enjoys traveling, video games, considers himself an avid foodie, and is a competitive bodybuilder when not engaged in music education or research. He resides in southern California with his partner, Eugene "Geno" Bowie Jr.