Nicholas Clipperton

Mr. Nicholas Clipperton

Director of Bands

Nicholas Clipperton has served on the faculty at Hillsborough High School since 2013 and was appointed Director of Bands in 2025 after twelve years as Associate Director of Bands. As Director of Bands, he oversees the comprehensive instrumental music program at Hillsborough High School and is committed to cultivating a culture of musical excellence, collaboration, and meaningful performance experiences for all students.

Mr. Clipperton earned his Bachelor of Music in Percussion with an emphasis in Conducting from The College of New Jersey, where he studied conducting and score study with Professor Roger McKinney and percussion with William Trigg.

In addition to his work as an educator, Mr. Clipperton remains active as a performer. He serves as the Principal Percussionist of the Eastern Wind Symphony and has also performed with Sinfonietta Nova and the Bloomfield Symphony Orchestra.

Throughout his tenure in the Hillsborough School District, Mr. Clipperton’s ensembles have consistently earned Superior and Excellent ratings at regional festivals and adjudicated performances. Beyond directing the Wind Ensemble & Freshman Band, he also directs the Percussion Ensemble and serves as the Faculty Advisor for the Hillsborough High School Band Council.

Under Mr. Clipperton’s leadership, the Pride of Hillsborough Raider Marching Band has achieved remarkable competitive success, earning six New Jersey State Championship titles during his tenure. The ensemble was also named Yamaha Cup Champions in 2019 and 2021 and captured the 2023 Marine Corps Invitational Championship, further establishing the program as one of the premier scholastic marching bands in the region.

Mr. Clipperton is dedicated to developing well-rounded musicians while fostering a lifelong appreciation for music within the Hillsborough High School band community.