I joined Local 802 because I believe in unions. The importance of a union is to have an organization that believes in you. I’m a Harlemite – born, bred and raised here! I’m a huge fan and supporter of the Harlem late night jazz scene. I appreciate those musicians’ contributions to keeping jazz alive and I want to be a part of that tradition. I try to attend as many jam sessions as possible. The person who is my biggest fan and encourages me so much is Mr. Steve “Sonny” Williams, the amazing vocalist. Also, my former and current teachers include the reed players Mr. Les Goodson, Mr. Rolando Briceno, Mr. Lawrence Clark, Mr. Patience Higgins, and a host of others whom I so much admire, respect and appreciate. My principal instruments are alto saxophone and my voice. When I play, I go into another world and everything just melts away.