Nick Mulder will be remembered as a dedicated educator, big band composer and director, master trombonist and leader in the Australian musical community.

He was an integral part of the SASBOF (South Australian School band and Orchestra Festival) for many years as a composer of set pieces, adjudicator, conductor and vital source of knowledge.

Nick was a person of outstanding character with a high degree of integrity and a great sense of humour. He was a gentleman with the ability to make time for everyone.

Composing engaging music for the early levels of big band requires a specialised skill set that Nick clearly understood and demonstrated. His passion for this area of jazz education has seen compositions that inspire performers while instilling strong foundations and learning resources.

Nick was composing a series of beginner big band charts with a vision to create a beginner set of pieces, and move onto intermediate and advanced big band music. Some South Australian educators had already trialled a few of his beginner charts for feedback... which Nick really didn’t need, such was his humility.

Nick also composed works for the Australian Jazz Orchestra.

His love of trombone shone on the band stand with the many configurations of ensembles he performed with including the Mike Stewart Big band and the Pulford/Mulder Nonet.

This tribute concert is held in memory of Nick Mulder whose life was so tragically cut short in March this year. Nick’s legacy will live on through his music.