Fort Worth, Texas based bassoonist Nicole Haywood has made a name for herself as one of the fastest rising orchestral musicians in the country, having held numerous positions in professional orchestras on both United States coasts. Using her orchestral positions as a platform, she continues to seek opportunities to contribute to the community on a more intimate scale as an educator and chamber musician. Nicole is currently Acting Bassoon/Contrabassoon of the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. She is also Assistant Principal and Second Bassoon of the Grant Park Orchestra in Chicago during the summer months. She previously served as Acting Assistant Principal and Second Bassoon of the Oregon Symphony for three seasons, Acting Second Bassoon of the Kansas City Symphony and Acting Bassoon/Contrabassoon of The Florida Orchestra.