I’m a Berklee College of Music student originally from Mundelein, Illinois. Growing up, I played competitive chess, often placing first in many tournaments. A few years later, I was introduced to the saxophone, where I performed in the wind ensemble, jazz ensemble, show choir band, pit orchestra, and marching band, serving as drum major.
During high school, I also worked as a salesman on a golf course, selling hole-in-one contests that benefited St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. I participated in a Co-Op Program with a local manufacturing company as well, where I became certified on manual mills, lathes, and CNC machines.
When applying to colleges, I considered joining the United States Marine Corps as a saxophonist through the Musician Enlistment Option Program. I successfully passed the audition, ASVAB, and fitness tests, but was then offered a full-tuition scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts. I am currently studying Music Business / Management with Minors in Music Technology and Creative Coding.
Berklee has been an amazing experience so far, allowing me to study abroad in Spain and connect with incredible talent from around the world in Boston. This has deepened my identity as a Filipino-American and ultimately led to a strong desire for adventure.
From all these experiences, I strive to harness the lessons I’ve learned, as they continue to shape my identity today and inspire the content I create.