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Nate started learning percussion in the 6th grade and honed his skills in his school's orchestra and marching band. He has performed professionally for the past 18 years in a wide variety of styles including rock, funk, afro-Carribean, jazz, bluegrass and old-time. He also regularly performs in musical theater and as an accompanist for dance productions. Nate has played with a number of local bands, including Hudson K, Artvandalay, The Bearded, Erick Baker, Sara Schwabe & The Yankee Jass Band, and Jodie Manross and has appeared at festivals including Bonnaroo, the Voodoo Experience (New Orleans), the Amjam Festival (Asheville), and Riverbend (Chattanooga). He has also been a long-time member of Circle Modern Dance, where he has directed, choreographed, accompanied, and served on the artistic committee. Nate has taught privately since 2005, including work with the Community School of the Arts. He likes to focus on stick control, rhythmic independence, and general groove and helps students develop a structured approach to practicing, dividing practice time between rudiments, rhythmic permutations, and free experimentation