General Information:

Grade: 12

Instrument(s):  Alto, Soprano, and Tenor Saxophone

Years with The Music Factor: 3 years now.  Really since its inception.  I was with The Music Factor back when it was named “The Music House.”  I will always be proud of the fact that I was part of the beginning.  A trail-blazer!

Musical Background
 

How did you become interested in music? 
When I was younger my parents played smooth jazz on the radio and that always caught my attention.  I loved the sound of the saxophone every time I heard it, so it was a natural pick when we were allowed to sign-up for band in 6^th grade at Eastwood Elementary School when there used to be a weekly instrumental music class.  They eventually cut that program so I’m thrilled that The Music Factor is there now.

What genre of music did your parents listen to or play when you were younger? 
Like I said, my parents listened to smooth jazz along with a lot of R&B.  I remember hearing Marvin Gaye a lot.  Pretty much anything on 94.7 The Wave.

Did any of your parents or family member play an instrument?
My sister plays the clarinet and piano, and my mom used to sing around the house. 

What was your favorite song when you were a child? 
I don’t remember a certain song from my younger days.  However, in middle school I wrote my own song and the band director, (Mr. Schutza at the time), helped me arrange it for the entire band and the band performed it at the end of the year concert.  It was a cool blues in Bb, and I took the first solo over it.  I named the song “Funky Jazz Band”.  I still like the song, but I would like to go back and work on it some more.  I know it can sound even better than it did then.

Current Interests
 

Favorite single musician:  Gerald Albright

Favorite band: Don’t have one

Favorite song: Gerald Albright’s recording of “Georgia On My Mind”

Favorite genre:  I like all music, except country and hard core “screamo” rock…and death metal of course.

Favorite flavor of Doritos: Cool Ranch

Favorite professional concert that you’ve been to:  Gerald Albright, Kenny G, and Eric Darius

Who you really want to see live at a concert: 
Mariah Carey

Who or what band you dream about playing with:  Gerald Albright’s Band (Are you getting the hint that I think this guy is it?!!)

Future Goals/Dreams
 

What do you want to do when you grow up? 
Become a millionaire doing whatever I end up doing.

What college do you hope to attend?
I want to attend Cal. State Long Beach and study at their new music conservatory.  A cool thing about The Music Factor is that you get to study with different teachers and some of them are even college professors.  At my Music Factor classes I have really enjoyed studying with Cal. State Long Beach professor Jimmy Emerzian, (killin’ saxophone player who even sits in with us at Starbucks every now and then!!).  Mr. Emerzian has been a true inspiration with my own playing and decision with my college education.

Music Factor
 

What is your favorite thing about The Music Factor? 
I love the people, the teachers, and the freedom to express your ideas and musical talents.

What has been your favorite concert you have played with The Music Factor? 
My favorite concert by far is when the jazz group won the Battle of the Bands at the Westminster City Hall.  There were some great bands there but we really killed it!  We were practicing 4 days a week for that, and our hard work really paid off.

What has been the funniest thing that has happened at anytime during The Music Factor? 
When one of our instructors was announcing the names of the bands we would be competing against during the Battle of the Bands, a certain band name came up, (don’t think it’s even appropriate to mention the name of the band on this web-site), and as soon as we heard the name the jokes and laughter began to snowball so quickly that even the instructor couldn’t hold it together.  We couldn’t play our instruments for awhile because we were laughing so hard.

How many years do you plan on studying with The Music Factor? 
Well, since I’m a senior in high school, this is officially the last year that I can study with The Music Factor.  Since the program is only a few years old, I know I only got to see the tip of the iceberg as far as how in-depth and cool this program is going to be.  I may return as a teacher in the future and stay connected with it.  I think The Music Factor is going to be a huge deal one day.