Meet Nate Spencer: Musician, Educator, Innovator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nate Spencer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nate, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
The pursuit of my career as a musician, educator, and innovator comes from my upbringing and an enthusiastic approach to becoming successful in life. Being in band since elementary school provided me with a sense of self-discipline and character development that has accompanied my life’s journey as a musician thus far. My passion of enriching lives through music has given me the opportunity to impact and inspire students as a band director, clinician, and instructional designer. Over time, my interest of innovation and global emerging trends developed into a lucrative skillset that has afforded me several experiences of working for and collaborating with some of the largest tech companies in the world. Being able to live a life that is full of creativity and unique artistry is one that I can only attribute to my faith in God and a true manifestation of positive energy for myself and those around me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a musician, educator, and innovator that specializes in professional instrumental music performances, education and academic enrichment, and also the designing of various technology services for global tech companies. 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 school system, I am the band director at Charles R. Drew Charter which is located in my home community of East Atlanta. 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 has 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.
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 talents. I am most known for my appearances and collaborations with many major artists as a professional sousaphone player or band leader. 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.
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.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One of my favorite spots in the city is Old Fourth Ward Park on the belt line. The area has some amazing sights, large open spaces, and cool spots to eat at. I also like any scene where there is live music being played. Kat’s Cafe, 229, and OurBar ATL on Edgewood are just some of the many spots as my go to for the relax and chill vibes. Oh and of course, walking around downtown Atlanta before and after any major sporting event or concert is always entertaining. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Throughout my growth, there have been many contributors to my success that God has put in my life. 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 throughout college and grade school 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 my beautiful, intelligent, 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 band leaders; Don Roberts of DRUMline Live, Johnathan Wright of JohnBoy & Surround Sound, Jason Rodgers of Orchestra Noir, and Brandon Leflur of the Atlanta Junkanoo Group for providing opportunities for me to perform on their platforms.