Dartmouth students unite for powerful 'I've Got Your Back' tribute

Honoring Big Nik with music, unity and a moving tribute to his legacy.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 8:03am

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Dartmouth High School students will take the stage in a powerful "I've Got Your Back" concert, honoring Nikoles "Big Nik" Joseph, who tragically passed away in a car accident last year. The concert, featuring an original piece composed by Kyle Ducharme, will celebrate Nik's life through music, unity and a moving tribute organized by his siblings.

Why it matters

The concert carries a message of community support and solidarity, resonating beyond the stage as the Dartmouth community comes together to honor Nik's memory and the impact he had on those around him. It showcases how music and the arts can bring people together and provide healing in the face of tragedy.

The details

The upcoming March 31 concert at the Zeiterion in New Bedford will feature a variety of musical performances, including cultural music, environmental-themed songs, and an original piece composed by Kyle Ducharme that was inspired by reflections from Nik's friends, family, teachers and coaches. The concert is not just a classical music performance, but a celebration of diversity and a tribute to a beloved community member.

  • The concert will take place on March 31, 2026.
  • Nikoles "Big Nik" Joseph tragically passed away in a car accident on June 15, 2025.

The players

Nikoles "Big Nik" Joseph

A recent graduate of Dartmouth High School who tragically passed away in a car accident in June 2025. Nik was known for his kindness, humor and loyalty, and worked at Piezoni's Pizza. His interests included video games, football and food.

Marie and Alex Isaac

Nik's adoptive parents, who are grieving the loss of their son.

Izaiah, Allen, Reynaldi, and Reyana

Nik's siblings, who created the "Sing Me a Story" project to share the memories and spirit of their brother.

Kyle Ducharme

The composer who was chosen to create an original piece for the concert, honoring Nik and his family.

Heather Church

The orchestra director at Dartmouth High School, who selected music to capture the students' interests and personalities while balancing the different skill levels in the orchestra.

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What they’re saying

“He could always make you laugh no matter what, and I think this concert is so special because the whole point of this concert is to say "I've got your back," and that's been the motto from the beginning of this school year.”

— Leila Hijazi, Dartmouth High School senior

“It's not just a classical music concert. We're playing cultural music, we're playing a song that represents our environment, and we're playing a song in memory about somebody we lost in the community, so we have different themes, and I think that's really special.”

— Juliana Carrico, Cellist

“For me it represents that even though a lot of us aren't going into music for a career, this kind of experience especially shows how it will always be a part of our lives through the impact it has had on us and the community and the confidence it gives us.”

— Siena Parsons, Violinist

What’s next

The concert at the Zeiterion on March 31, 2026 will be the last performance for the senior members of the Dartmouth High School orchestra.

The takeaway

This concert showcases how the power of music and community can bring people together and provide healing in the face of tragedy. The Dartmouth students are honoring their classmate Nik's legacy through a moving tribute that celebrates his life and the impact he had on those around him.