Nate Centa

Bassoon

What are your most important educational and musical moments?
After my first year of my music education degree, I auditioned for and participated in a festival similar to this one for students. Making music with the people I met while at that festival affirmed my connection with music while also propelling my own ability far past where it was in the beginning of that summer.

Why did you choose music?
As a young student, I chose music because it was fun and I loved the challenge. As I continued as a musician, I really started to appreciate the power music has to share ideas and emotions.

Why did you choose your instrument?
I started in music on the clarinet. At that time, the typical set up for students consisted of a small case that could fit the instrument and a couple reeds along with a bag of some sorts to hold the rest of items needed for band class. To an 11 year old, there was nothing more embarrassing than carrying my school backpack along with another bag! The easiest solution was to switch to a larger instrument that would offer more storage inside the case- like bassoon!

What are you currently doing?
I am currently attending the Colburn School in Los Angeles. At the end of my time there, I will have earned a Professional Studies Certificate.

Tell us about your family.
I have two brothers and two parents back at home in Ohio that I love to visit with while on the east coast.

Any non-musical interests or hobbies?
I love being outside and have recently gotten into birdwatching. It has been fascinating to see how many more things in my everyday surroundings I’ve started to notice just by trying to pay more attention to birds. I also love to spend time cooking and baking for my friends.