He received his award from Dave Douglas, the internationally renowned jazz artist. The National Alliance for Excellence asked Heileine who he would most like to meet and have as the presenter of the award. The gifted musician has long admired Douglas and requested that he be the presenter.
Mr. Douglas, who was planning to premiere some new releases with his band Witness, suggested that Nathan attend the opening night at Tonic, the legendary jazz club in New York City. The NAE flew Heileine to New York for the event. NAE President Linda Paras and James Dyas, Vice President presented him with a $1000 scholarship for his musical accomplishments at the ceremony.
Heleine is currently a sophomore at Eastman School of Music. He is planning a career in jazz performance and composition. He is also the founder/leader of an eight piece jazz group known as the Blue Tone Groove Jazz Ensemble. His previous awards include the International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE) Outstanding Soloist Award 1999 and Jazz Soloist Awards at Illinois State University, Illinois Wesleyan University and Western Illinois University Jazz Festivals.
Heileine was thrilled to have an opportunity to actually meet Dave Douglas, who has been an inspiration to him. After the show at Tonic, the two were able to spend some time together. Heleine stated,
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