We have great news to share with you! Somebody wonderful has stepped forward to take the helm of Hill and Hollow Music upon my retirement at the end of June. This heaven-sent person is none other than Tom McNichols. Tom is eminently qualified to lead our organization into a new era and to new heights. Not only is he super-competent, he’s a great guy! You ask how did this happen?
When Tom learned that we were contemplating folding up our proverbial tent and disappearing from the scene, he began studying our events and observing not only the outstanding quality of our concerts, but the respect, devotion, and support of our audience. He “got it” that we have a very special synergy, and he simply could not stand by and do nothing. We are so encouraged and downright excited that Tom McNichols recognizes the unique quality and value of Hill and Hollow Music in our community and region.
Throughout this ongoing 30th Anniversary Season, we have worked with Tom to bring several Hill and Hollow Music events to the historic Strand Theatre in downtown Plattsburgh, thereby offering our community a different and meaningful kind of programming in that venue. These five performances at the Strand have proved a good success and generated discussions about how best to ensure a strong future for Hill and Hollow Music.
You will be pleased to learn that operations will continue much as they have been, but with the new imprint of Tom’s personality and capability. Our Trustees share my enthusiasm: all have agreed to remain on the board – including myself, for continuity and institutional memory. So let’s tell you about the extraordinary background, training, and professional qualifications – both musical and non-musical – of Tom McNichols.
Tom is already known to many in our community. Indeed, we first met when he was still in high school. The son of Col. and Mrs. Joe and Mary McNichols (USAF Retired), Tom was raised in the North Country. He attended local schools, graduating from Plattsburgh High School and then SUNY Plattsburgh with a B.A. in Theatre Performance; followed by an M.M. in Vocal performance from the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University. He credits JoEllen Miano in Plattsburgh as a strong mentor who shaped his early collegiate work that has carried forward to today.
After graduation, Tom was immediately engaged as a member of the eminent vocal ensemble Cantus and began touring throughout the US. Over four seasons he recorded seven albums and performed 300+ engagements, in addition to being tour manager and member of their board of directors. After departing from Cantus, Tom went freelance and sang over 100 operatic and choral roles in the US and Europe, including five world premiere operas. Further credits include four recordings, two movies, a Grammy Nomination, a Drama Desk Award, and an Off-Broadway run.
In addition to musical prowess, Tom has much non-musical experience to draw upon to fulfill his new position with Hill and Hollow Music. Throughout his music career, Tom maintained a parallel career in business, specifically real estate and the building trades. He has been a licensed real estate salesperson in New York since 2009, with more than $50 million in closed sales and nearly 500 residential leases. In 2015 he purchased a fully functioning millwork shop in CT and moved it to Keeseville, rebranding as The Wood Lab. This followed his first full home-build in 2014 and has since led to his current role as Senior Project Manager for Adirondack Dream Builders, managing custom home-builds throughout the greater northern Adirondacks.
In 2017 Tom joined the Board of Directors of the Strand Center for the Arts and soon was elected Secretary and subsequently President in 2021. Following a tumultuous period during which he and other committed team members navigated administrative shifts and Covid closures, the Strand Center has never been stronger than it is today.
Some highlights of Tom’s tenure in these various Strand roles include the successful management through completion of the $775,000 Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) grant; subsequent appointment of the Strand Theatre to the National Historic Registry; securing and executing all available Covid relief programs; and leading the charge to redefine the administrative structure of the Strand Center as it stands today on solid footing to thrive into the future.
Each of the points outlined here could be delved into in greater detail, only to reveal more strongly the variety and depth of Tom’s experience. They all demonstrate professional qualifications and personal qualities that make him an ideal dream candidate to lead our Hill and Hollow Music forward!
FYI, Tom recently rotated off from his role as President, but remains a member of the Strand’s Board of Directors. We anticipate presenting more Hill and Hollow Music performances at the Strand, while also happily continuing concerts in our home venue, the beautiful historic, acoustically perfect Saranac Methodist Church.
Tom and I and our board have already been meeting regularly, having deep discussions, and working together to ensure a smooth transition over the summer. You are going to appreciate Tom’s easygoing, confident style very much. Angela will continue to be available to help as needed in the background. Please stay tuned as we carry on with our 30th Anniversary Season and prepare for the 2025-26 season under the exciting new leadership of Tom McNichols!
Yours,
in love and gratitude,
for so many wonderful years,
Angela Brown
