Junior Nate Trux has been selected as this week’s Artist of the Week.

Trux plays in just about every ensemble. He also has a large catalog of instruments he is able to play, including the saxophone, flute, pino and bassoon.

While Trux’s talents may lead many to think he started at a young age, he only dabbled with the piano in his earlier years. It wasn’t until he attended Medea Creek Middle School that he began to actually participate in the band.

“I got into band from a combination of early piano lessons as a kid and my sisters joining band when they got to middle school,” Trux said.

Trux recalls a moment with his uncle’s saxophone before playing at Medea.

“I had no idea how big of a part band would have in my life when I first picked up my uncle’s old sax the summer before sixth grade.”

Band instructor Zachary Borquez noted Nate’s other duties with the band.

“He’s a section leader in our Oak Park Brigade (the marching band). Lead Alto Sax in the Jazz A Band, principal bassoon in the Wind Ensemble/Orchestra, and serves on our Instrumental Music Department Executive Board,” Borquez said.

Borquez also commends Trux on being a mentor to his other bandmates.

“He is a truly outstanding musician, like, really really good. On top of that he is super kind and respectful, and is a great leader/teacher to the other students in the program.”

Trux owes his success to the OPHS band and its importance to the entire school.

“Band is at its core the pride of Oak Park High School. It’s there to support school spirit in all the activities that our students do. It also creates an amazing artistic opportunity for the students to grow and discover themselves as a musician,” Trux said.