watercolor painting by Jeannie Johnson        Novelist Victor Hugo once wrote, "Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent." As a performer, composer, arranger, producer and teacher of music, Nathan Eklund has directed his life passion toward such an expression.        Nathan Eklund was born near Seattle, Washington and began his musical journey by studying piano at the age of six. Inspired by his grandfather's big band and military trumpet playing during the World War II era, Nathan picked up the trumpet at eleven and soon became interested in jazz through the trumpet voices of Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, and Clifford Brown.        Nathan began his serious musical training at Central Washington University, where he studied classical trumpet performance under the direction of Thomas Gause. Uncertain at this stage as to what role music would play in his life, Nathan became immersed in the world of jazz at CWU and decided to make it his focus. In 1998, Nathan moved to the New York City area to study jazz at William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ. He attained his Bachelor's degree from WPU and his Master's degree from New Jersey City University, while studying with NYC area professionals Dave Rogers, Scott Wendholt, Joe Magnarelli, Rich DeRosa, John Mosca, Paul Meyers, and Andy Eulau.        Professionally, Nathan is involved in a wide array of projects. He has released four albums as a leader, most recently his 2010 Nathan Ekund Group project Coin Flip. Nathan is also a part of the Shims Trio (including Don Peretz on drums and Drew Gress on bass) who have recently released their first album, And Again. Along with his projects as a leader, Nathan's list of recordings as a sideman continue to grow. He recorded for Spyro Gyra's 2006 Grammy nominated album Wrapped In A Dream, as well as for Richie Cole, Chuck Loeb, Gerald Veasley, Craig Yaremko, Dan Rufolo, and many more.        Nathan is also active in the NYC area big band scene, having performed with the Vanguard Jazz Orchsetra, Mingus Big Band, Darcy James Argue's Secret Society, Smoke Big Band, Newyorkestra Big Band, Scott Reeves Jazz Orchestra, David O'Rourkestra Big Band, and Cecil's Big Band. He has also recently been subbing on Broadway's Anything Goes, How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, and On A Clear Day.        Along with his accomplishments as a performer, Nathan has made a commitment to furthering the development of music through teaching. Since early 2001, Nathan has been a private trumpet instructor, teaching throughout New Jersey. He has worked as an adjunct faculty member at New Jersey City University in Jersey City, NJ, taught at William Paterson University's summer jazz camp (2006-2008), and has given clinics at high schools nationwide. For more information or for a press kit, please contact Nathan.