I joined Local 802 to gain access to a greater network of musicians and work. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, I’ve been in New York City for almost three years now, after earning my master’s in drumset performance at the Valencia (Spain) campus of Berklee. What I find most challenging is promoting myself, booking gigs and composing and arranging for my own band while organizing teaching gigs all at the same time. My most favorite recent gig was a master class and concert of my band at Purdue University. It was a great opportunity to share knowledge about the bomba style of Puerto Rican music and get the students dancing as Rafael Maya, master dancer and “bombero,” conducted the steps. I’m now back in New York City and my goal is to solidify my career as a performing drummer, composer and bandleader.