Today we’d like to introduce you to Nate Spencer.
Nate, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m an innovator of fine arts and education that is passionate about inspiring lives through music. As a professional musician, private music instructor, and technology specialist, I have maintained a unique life & career experience that promotes creativity in visual and performing arts. My ability to keep the good character, enthusiasm and a lifestyle of perseverance have afforded me the chance to prosper through life doing something I love, travel the world, and provide opportunities for others all while enjoying the benefits of being a husband and father. Ive been doing band and music all my life and now Im doing band and music for my life!
Lithonia, Georgia is where I began my musical journey as a trombone student in my elementary school’s beginning band. In the event of my mama not being able to continue renting my horn, the tuba became my next instrument of choice throughout middle school, as I only needed a mouthpiece to perform and practice on it. In an effort to remain consistent and excited about being in a band, I transitioned into high school being a principal tuba for the wind ensemble & symphonic bands and sousaphone section leader for the marching band. I attended Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. H.S. during its inception and graduated as one the schools first recipients for many music awards and accomplishments such as, the District & Governor’s Honors bands, Who’s Who of America, and many scholarships from higher institutions across the nation. During my first semester of college, I participated in a cultural music exchange in Africa with my high school marching band during their exhibition performance for the Field Band Foundations South African National Championships in Johannesburg, South Africa.
In an attempt to further enhance my passion with band and music, I decided to pursue a degree in music. I am a graduate of Alabama State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Performance under the advisement of Mr. Isaac Bell. I began my college career at Kentucky State University, but due to unforeseen circumstances with the school’s finances and department changes, I transferred schools after my sophomore year. As a collegiate musician, I found myself being apart of every ensemble the schools had to offer and performing for many prestigious events on the behalf of the respective institution. At KSU, I performed for the Kentucky Music Educators Association with the Kentucky Intercollegiate Band and was a musician for the African American Ball in Lexington, Kentucky. During my time at Alabama State, I served as the section leader for sousaphones with the Mighty Marching Hornet Band, 2nd trombone for the Jazz Band, and principal tuba for the wind ensemble. Also as a student, I’ve performed for numerous events held on campus and two seasons with the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra.
Following graduation, I worked as the Assistant Director of Bands at Talladega College during its establishment and formation of the first marching band in the schools 140 plus year existence. While working at Talladega, I completed my Master of Science degree at Full Sail University and joined Apple Inc. as a technical specialist & teacher. After only a couple of years and realizing that my greater calling was inevitable, I found myself walking away and moving into a career as an independent musician, private music instructor and education contractor for after-school academic enrichment. Over the years, I have provided recording needs for various artists looking to incorporate authentic brass instruments in their music and participate in film productions with VH-1, B.E.T., Netflix and MTV. Currently, I host a private studio of music students in and around the Atlanta area, work with a few high school band programs, and actively perform with Orchestra Noir, Johnboy & Surround Sound, Drumline Live Entertainment, the Atlanta Junkanoo Group, Mausiki Scales & The Common Ground Collective.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has definitely not been a smooth one. Having to deal with family issues of growing up without a father, struggling through college, and going through the ups and downs of marriage with a child. My struggles along the way have molded me into the person I am today. Life has presented me with several opportunities to overcome adversity and hardship experiences.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a musician, educator, and innovator that specializes in. As a performer, I am able to provide diverse groups of entertainment to suit any environment or occasion. I teach trumpet, trombone, tuba, music theory, audio engineering, and piano to all ages ranging from 6 to 70 years old. In the public school system, I am a low-brass instructor for high school band programs and an after-school teacher for middle & elementary schools. I am most known for my appearances and collaborations with many major artists as a professional sousaphone player. Thus far, my most proud moment is the opportunity I received to perform with Beyoncé & Jay-Z during their 2018 Coachella Music & Arts Fest Performances. I think that what sets me apart from others is my determination and eagerness to succeed as well as the skill set of my diverse genres of music performance.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Throughout my growth, I have had many contributors to my success. First I have to thank my mother for her display of strength as a single black mother and teaching me to not make excuses regardless of the circumstances life will provide. I have a host of friends and peers that have developed into a community of supporters for my significant achievements and accomplishments. Some of my most important mentors are my band directors Neil Crosslin, Kevin Shepherd, Travis Kimber, and Issac Bell for helping me understand how to take my talents serious and reframe my individual mistakes for learning opportunities. My biggest supporter and person who deserves the most credit is definitely my lovely wife KeShanna. She has provided so much encouragement and motivation into our lives for individual growth and success. I’d also like to thank my individual and leaders; Don Roberts of DRUMline Live, Johnathan Wright of JohnBoy & Surround Sound, Jason Rodgers of Orchestra Noir, Mausiki Scales of The Common Ground Collective, and Brandon Leflur of the Atlanta Junkanoo Group for providing opportunities for me to perform on their platforms.
Contact Info:
- Website: nsp3nc3r.wordpress.com
- Phone: 4045791904
- Email: n.natespencer@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Karla Sellers, Kiesha Rogers, Nzali Scales, KeShanna Spencer
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