Nathan Gatenby

Performer VIC/SA

Hailing from sunny Brisbane, Nathan is a Melbourne-based percussionist with a passion for orchestral and pedagogical performance, having completed his studies at the Australian National Academy of Music, and the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University.

Nathan performs as a casual percussionist and timpanist with the Melbourne, Queensland, and Canberra Symphony Orchestras, and Orchestra Victoria. He has performed alongside the Bolshoi Ballet, Opera Australia, Camerata Orchestra, the 2018 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony, and has toured internationally with the Queensland Youth Orchestra.

During his studies, Nathan won the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Snare Drum Award, was appointed principal percussionist of the Australian Youth Orchestra, won the Jim Massie Memorial Prize for runner-up to the best undergraduate classical musician, and he was a finalist in both the ANAM Concerto Competition and the Australian Percussion Gathering Competition.

Having spent thousands of hours teaching, conducting and performing music in schools, Nathan loves to use innovative educational techniques to build confidence in young musicians.

Before joining the Kaboom Percussion team, Nathan developed his own school shows using instruments made entirely from vegetables, and his favourite instrument is the eggplant castanet.

In his spare time, Nathan loves exploring Melbourne for the trendiest cafes. On Sundays, he can often be found in his local church’s worship team on drums, guitar, and piano, or if you’re unlucky, he’ll be behind the microphone!