Nathan Skinner

Vibraphone

“This scholarship helped and inspired me reach my goal of being a great musician.”

Vibraphonist Nathan Skinner, a senior at Jupiter High School of Jupiter, FL, received his award at the Swing into Spring Benefit Concert on April 21, 2010. A highly advanced musician, Skinner has earned All-District and All-State Band honors over the last four years. “I am excited to have won this award,” he said, “and I believe it will help me pursue my dream of being a world class jazz vibist.” Armed with influences that range from Louis Armstrong to Michael Brecker, Skinner planed to attend the University of Miami where he anticipated “a new and challenging experience to learn from an excellent faculty. The power of music is limitless and the power it has to move people and change people is why I have chosen to pursue a career in music.” Among his professors at Miami will be a longtime idol, the great jazz vibraphonist Gary Burton. Skinner performed at the October 8 pre-Headliner Concert bash at St. Peters accompanied by piano virtuoso Doug Matthews. “This was a terrific show,” said LesDeMerle, “and we were thrilled to present Nathan Skinner, who is one remarkable musician, playing with Doug. Nathan has a solid knowledge of jazz history and was amazingly well-schooled for such a young player. He is an exceptional talent and has a promising future as a professional jazz Musician.