Rafael Hernandez (sax and flute, minor percussion) raised in Puerto Rico began his musical education at the age of 11years old being the clarinet his first formal musical instrument. At the age of 15, he began playing the alto sax in a high school "salsa" band. At the each of 16, he became a member of the COPANI band composed of selected high school music students in Puerto Rico. The COPANI band had the great honor to perform at the openings and closing ceremonies of the 1979 Panamerican Games held in Puerto Rico. At the age of 17, he played in a concert band that accompanies the legendary “bolero” singer Santitos Colon a Fania All Star Recording Artist. Rafael played in few other "salsa" bands in Puerto Rico such as with Sandalio "Yayo" Lopez (COPANI Band Director) and Rogelio "Kito" Velez (trumpet player for "El Gran Combo" and "Cortijo y su Combo"). Rogelio "Kito" Velez has been a musical arranger for Gilberto Santa Rosa ("Plena Medley at Carnegie Hall") and composer for El Gran Combo (“Ojos Chinos”). Rafael was also the founder and band director of a St. Louis "salsa" band called LATIN TOUCH-ST. LOUIS (1999-2004). Rafael has been very much influenced by several latin jazz artists such as Paquito D'Rivera (sax), Dave Valentin (flute) and Nestor Torres (flute).