When people think of classical music, most picture Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach. Some enthusiasts might think of Howard Shore or John Carpenter, due to their movie scores, and some metal heads might acknowledge the genre’s classical roots. 

The truth is, classical music is not the most popular form of music, but the genre is far from dead.

Monte Nickles, PHS alumnus, is making an impact in the world of Classical music. He is a recording engineer at Tippet Art Center outside of Fishtail, Montana, and a couple of his recent albums have hit big.

“Lines Made By Walking” by John Luther Adams and the JACK Quartet has been nominated for a Grammy, and Noctuelles by Micheal Brown was considered for a Grammy nomination. Both were recorded and produced by Nickles.

“I’ve listened to both albums; the recording quality is truly exceptional,” PHS band director John Fabela said.

Nickles was one of Fabela’s first students, and a very indelible one. 

“Monte will always be one of my most remembered and appreciated students,” Fabela said. “When I interviewed for this job, I had to teach a sample lesson. In my lesson, I introduced a new way to learn Major scales, using a chart and some simple directions. I asked for a volunteer and thankfully, Monte Nickles raised his hand. He followed directions and played the scale perfectly.”

Nickles went on to be selected into the Wyoming All-State Orchestra, All-State Jazz Band, and the All-Northwest Band, all while being a student at PHS.

“I went on to continue my studies at Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming,” Nickles said. “I studied in their Music Technology Program and graduated with an associate degree. After that, I went to Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, to go on and get my Bachelors in Audio Production.”

Nickles now works at Tippet Rise Art Center near Fishtail, Montana, while occasionally freelancing with colleagues.

“[Tippet Rise Art Center] works more like a commercial studio,” Nickles said. “I don’t really ever pick who gets to come. Whoever comes and for whatever kind of project, I record as best as possible to fit the purpose of the gig.”

“Lines Made by Walking” was recorded at Tippet Rise, and now faces four other Grammy nominees in a bid for the Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance award. The Grammys will air Monday, Jan. 31, at 8 p.m.