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Student Learns to Play the Sax

Recently, Create Now! got a call from a social worker, Linda King at Masada Homes. This facility in Torrance runs several foster and group homes for teenagers that have gotten into trouble with the law or are considered at-risk of becoming delinquent. Linda said that one of her clients was very passionate about learning how to play the saxophone.

The youth, Frank Covarrubia, was 16 years old. He didn't have a father and his mother was working hard in a factory to support five children. Frank's two older brothers were in prison, so he started to get into trouble by using drugs and ditching school. That's when the court sentenced him to spend time at Masada Homes.

After finishing his program there, Frank returned home where he helped take care of his younger siblings. He not only attended school regularly, but his teachers discovered that this young man was gifted academically. He was transferred from Compton High School to Compton Community College so that he could take accelerated classes. Frank couldn't stop dreaming about becoming a saxophonist. The social worker was able to get an instrument donated for him, but he still needed a mentor.

Through Create Now! board member Mark Schulman, we arranged for Michael Lington to give Frank a private lesson at our office. If you're into Smooth Jazz, then you've probably heard Michael play many times. His songs have continually been at the top of the Contemporary Jazz charts. He recently performed at the Hollywood Bowl and the Greek Theater, along with Dave Koz and Kenny G. Michael's debut CD, "Stay With Me," has already spent six months at the top of the Billboard chart.

Frank was thrilled when he heard that he was going to get a private meeting and a music lesson from his idol Michael Lington. While he couldn't afford to buy his CD, Frank constantly listened to his music on the radio. He knew every note by heart. "I felt like I was going to faint when Michael first came in," he said. "It felt good to talk with him because we have a lot in common. We both love the saxophone and we both love jazz. Michael's trying to make a huge impact in that genre and that's one of my goals."

Frank practices daily on his sax, for hours at a time. Michael was impressed with his talent and dedication. He shared some of his personal experiences and gave the youth many tips. Then he gifted him with an autographed copy of his CD, which Frank will always treasure. Michael also recommended that Frank participate in the Community Outreach Program of the Henry Mancini Institute.

Through this program, Frank spent much of the summer learning how to play the saxophone. "I wasn't shy when we had our first concert. It gave me tons of confidence to play in front of other people. It's a huge accomplishment since I've only been playing the saxophone for a short time."

Since Michael Lington is constantly touring around the world or recording a new album, he's unable to meet with Frank, but they communicate through email.

Meanwhile, Create Now! found Frank an additional saxophone mentor: Wendell Wayne Mew. Wendell is a talented saxophonist with many years of experience. He invited Frank to visit him at the Santa Monica Promenade, where he performs daily.

They immediately hit it off. The seasoned musician gave Frank lots of great advice and invited him to return any time for more instruction. Frank has a lot of respect for Wendell. He said, "This guy really knows what he's talking about when it comes to the business. Wendell gave me some tips that I can use about my music. I learned you always have to have something to fall back on if you don't make it in the business."

Create Now! bought Frank some reeds, a music book and a tuner. "I've learned some notes that I wasn't able to hit before since the tuner helped me with my ear training and I learned how to read the charts."

Frank remarked, "I'm very grateful that Create Now! exists, because without this program, I'd still be doing the bad stuff I was doing like ditching school and doing drugs. This gave me like people say a second chance and to do something good and to show off the talent that I have."

We're especially proud of Frank now that he's become the first chair saxophone in the jazz band at Compton Community College. Frank remarks, "My sax skills are starting to develop to superstar level." Create Now! is here to support him as he soars to the stratosphere as an accomplished saxophonist.