BIOGRAPHY

Nate Penven is an accomplished professional musician providing high-quality performances and engaging educational experiences for groups of all ages. Holding both a Master's degree in Saxophone Performance and Bachelor's degree in Music Education from West Virginia University studying with Dr. Jeff Siegfried, he performs in a variety of styles in a wide range of ensembles.

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As a concert saxophonist, Penven has performed with such groups as the United States Army Field Band, West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, WVU Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band, and numerous chamber groups. Through these performances, he has had the great fortune to entertain millions through live and broadcasted performances. 

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Penven has performed as a featured soloist with the West Virginia University Symphony Orchestra as a winner of the 2022 Young Artist Competition, thrilling the audience with his performance of Rhapsody for Baritone Saxophone and Orchestra by Mark Watters. He has also performed as a featured soloist with WVU's big band JE1.

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Penven performs skillfully on both sides of the horn; both classical and jazz. As a commercial musician, Penven has played for audiences as a member of the Monongalia Symphony Orchestra Big Band, WVU big bands, WVU jazz combos, the 249th Army Band jazz combo, and alongside rock musician Birdie Brooks. He has shared the stage with the soul group Adrian and the Soul Miners, the Coal Aly Band, Zeropoint Big Band, State College's La Fiesta Band, and Crooner & Co. Swing Band.

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An experienced doubler, Penven has performed with a number of musical productions for high schools in several regions. He has performed Singing in the Rain, Annie, and Anything Goes on alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones, as well as Bb clarinet, bass clarinet, and flute. His multi-instrumental talents have also been utilized by the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, WVU JE1, and WVU Wind Symphony.

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Nate Penven serves as a Specialist of the 249th Army Band of the West Virginia National Guard.