Tucked away at the bottom level of Walton Auditorium, students are abuzz with creativity and shared interest. Conveniently, Director of Music David Nolan’s office places him right in the center of this world, sandwiched between the audio recording studio and the large ensemble room. Private lessons are held in free periods, students create original music in the recording studio and jam sessions take place in practice rooms. Extra chairs, a couch and snacks make the office a warm and welcoming place for students to relax, do homework and make music together.

“I love offering a sanctuary, a space where music kids can make a home away from home for four years. They can hang out, they can learn, they can be creative; and also, they have somebody there who will support and guide them along the way,” said David. 

As an accomplished and former leading high school choral performer himself, David understands what it takes to motivate his students towards a passion and dedication to music. But it was the competitive edge of music that drew him to choose it as a career. David performed at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) receiving honors at the District, Regional, and All-State level.

He went on to study music at Ursinus College and received his Master of Music in choral conducting from Butler University. David found himself a natural leader — from informal support during section practice sessions to formal leadership as music director and president of his college’s a cappella group.

“Being a part of these experiences displayed a whole new level to music beyond high school,” said David. “I now try to do the same for my students.” 

Once he stepped onto the George School campus, David knew it was the place he could plant his roots and make a difference. “Seeing the hats that I would get to wear, the autonomy that I would have in planning curriculum and the impact that I would immediately have on students, it was clear that this was where I wanted to be.”

In his last eight years in the role, David has made the music department a tight-knit, innovative space where students can grow. In his first year, he led a large masterwork performance with professional choral singers, granting students the opportunity to sing alongside them. He also leads students through the IB Music diploma and launched the Audio Recording and Music Production curriculum in its very own, state-of-the-art audio recording studio — a unique feature of a George School education. 

David also builds leadership roles into his curriculum. For the annual Live Music Weekend, Goldfish 'n Java club leaders and audio recording students lead everything — from acting as roadies loading in the equipment, building the sound design and running the broadcast and live execution. 

“What makes a great sound engineer is how quickly they can correctly identify the problem and solve it in real time,” David explained. “They fall on their face and then learn how to get back up; gaining resilience and real-life experience.”

These situations enrich the interest of students and allow them to visualize what a career in music could look like. David recounted the story of Avery Frank ’25, whom he encouraged to take an audio recording class as an elective. She ended up loving it so much that she is now majoring in it in college. 

“The opportunity, musically, here is so much richer than any school I've ever been in or taught at,” he said. “At George School, if you want to try something, there is a way to build it into your schedule and potentially discover a love for something.

“We have students from East Asia sitting with students from down the street in Newtown. They play at the same level, but each brings a unique set of experiences to their playing, which enriches the ensemble,” David continued. 

To David, this is where the magic happens and finds places to collaborate with other departments to create innovative performances like last year’s Dance Macabre and the annual Holiday assembly. 

“We are creating music together in these performances,” said David. “I think it helps for them to see me be vulnerable and not just the guy with a bunch of degrees on the wall. No, I make mistakes and so do they. And we, together, create imperfect art.”