So I’m going to the LA Salsa congress! It’s going to be so much fun. What? No, what’s that? I didn’t know Spanish Harlem Orchestra was going to be doing a musicians seminar! You know they’re my favorite salsa band.

And that’s how I found out. As the congress drew nearer, I wasn’t sure if I was more excited about dancing or playing my instrument. I was practicing trombone and dancing everyday to hone my skills and be on my game. It’s a good thing too cause this congress is not for the timid and only for the brave. After dancing for two years, I still hesitated when asking certain girls to dance. As for the music, playing salsa takes major endurance and stamina to execute the parts with the right intensity. I’m glad I was prepared.

I started playing music when I was 3 years old. Ever since I can remember, the sound of latin music would make me feel like a party was going on. It was just impossible to be still. I fell in love with the music and the culture. After I got into a salsa band, the next thing that needed to happen was to learn to dance! The two go hand in hand. I can’t even imagine playing salsa and not knowing how to dance, although I did for many years.