Jaden Teague-Núñez: A Rising Star in the World of Steelpan
A Young Pannist Making History
Jaden Teague-Núñez, a musician and pannist born in Panama City, Panama, is gaining recognition for his exceptional talent. In 2024, he became the first winner of the Crain-Mailing Foundation Chicago Symphony Orchestra Young Artists Competition, a historic achievement.
Early Success
Teague-Núñez’s father, Liam Teague, a Trinidadian professor of music and director of steelpan studies at Northern Illinois University, performed Teague-Nunez’s difficult steelpan solo and orchestra piece, "A Visit to Hell," as part of his historic triumph. Dr. Jamie Whitmarsh organized it. A competition judge praised Teague-Núñez’s performance with the Chicago Civic Orchestra, saying, "What a treat to be able to hear this amazing young man and to see the future of the pan in such capable hands!"
YoungArts Winner with Distinction
Following his success in the concerto competition, Teague-Núñez continued to pursue his passion for music. The National Foundation for the Advancement of Artists (YoungArts) recognized him as a 2025 YoungArts winner with distinction in classical/percussion. This achievement comes after a rigorous adjudication procedure, where panels of renowned artists evaluated his application.
YoungArts Grant and National YoungArts Week
As a distinguished winner, Teague-Núñez will participate in National YoungArts Week in Miami, Florida, January 5–12, 2025. He will exhibit his work, receive guidance from top artists, and be eligible for monetary prizes of up to $10,000 USD. YoungArts provides short-term and long-term mentorship and assistance to successful students, including financial awards, microgrants, and exclusive support for professional and creative development.
Aiming High
Teague-Núñez is proud to be a part of this prestigious program and is committed to introducing the steelpan to new audiences and educating them about its capabilities. "What I’ve always wanted to do is to introduce the steelpan to new audiences and educate them about the capabilities of this beautiful instrument," he explained. "YoungArts, I believe, is an amazing opportunity to achieve this goal, and I really hope that this intensive program will attract more people to the pan and further elevate its popularity."
A Family Legacy of Music
Teague-Núñez comes from a family with a strong musical background. His father, Liam Teague, is a well-known steelpan virtuoso who also teaches music and is a professor of music. His mother, Lorena Núñez, is a skilled violist and was formerly the chief violist of the Panama National Symphony Orchestra. He also has a sister who is nine years old.
Setting His Own Course
While it can be challenging to stand apart in a family with so much success, Teague-Núñez is forging his own path. "I’m proud that I get to make history by being one of the first (possibly the first) steelpan players to be recognized as a YoungArts Winner with Distinction, and I still aim to achieve more in the future," he said.
Future Plans and Honors
Teague-Núñez is also eligible to be nominated for the US Presidential Scholar in the Arts, one of the highest honors bestowed upon high school seniors by the US president, during National YoungArts Week. If his prior success is any guide, it appears likely that he will receive this and several other honors and prizes in the future.
Conclusion
The future of steelpan is in capable hands with young musicians like Jaden Teague-Núñez, and their ongoing successes and advancements of the art form in the US, the Caribbean, and throughout the world can only excite one.
FAQs
- What is YoungArts?
YoungArts is a program that provides mentorship and support to young artists, including financial awards, microgrants, and exclusive support for professional and creative development. - What is National YoungArts Week?
National YoungArts Week is an annual event that brings together talented young artists for a week of performances, workshops, and mentorship. - What is the US Presidential Scholar in the Arts?
The US Presidential Scholar in the Arts is one of the highest honors bestowed upon high school seniors by the US president, recognizing excellence in the arts.
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