Meet Kyle Cervantes | Saxophonist & Teacher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kyle Cervantes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kyle, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
The one thing that I always come back to is conviction. Is what I’m playing honest? Is it really me speaking? Is what I’m playing backed up with intention? Am I reaching my audience? Otherwise, I’m not being sure of what I’m doing. We have such a fragile, splinter of time to exist, we absolutely cannot afford to play mindlessly. Every note, every melody, is placed with utmost intention.

What color is my shirt? Could someone convince me otherwise? No. Why? Because I have conviction. I am sure of myself. There’s no reason for me not to perform that way too. I play like I am one who knows what color his shirt is. That’s conviction.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a professional saxophonist, although I play plenty of other woodwind instruments as well! My primary horn is the baritone saxophone. I like bringing bari sax into the spotlight as a bandleader whenever I can. It’s not too often the average listener gets to hear it in a primary, soloist role.

I wasn’t a phenom or a child prodigy. I really had to push myself to improve when I was younger. I had a lot of great mentors that helped me and some teachers that really sharpened my skills. I consider myself lucky that I got a lot of great opportunities to perform, but I would be remiss if I didn’t recognize that there was a level of preparation that was needed to be ready for those opportunities.

I try to carry that mindset into everything I do as a teacher, composer, performer, you name it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my favorite spots in the city to visit would be the Edgewater Public Market. Supports local businesses, great brews on tap, wide range of delicious food, and cute little shops that sell local goods. (I’ve bought most of my plants from there!)

If you haven’t been to a Redrocks concert, you’re missing out! It’s a beautiful amphitheater and everyone should experience it at least once.

If you’re into arcades, do yourself a favor and go check out Akihabara Arcade and Bar. They’ve got some really unique cabinets and their cocktails are really great.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe arguably my entire career as a musician to my high school band director, Kate Margrave. Kate never gave up on me. I wanted to quit band, I was frustrated with myself. I had major self-deprecation issues, but she worked with me. She’s the one who showed me jazz. It changed my life. I had a way of combining the instrument I love with self expression? No way! Kate is often recognized as being one of the finest music educators in the entire country. I am HONORED, that I got to have someone so amazing as a pillar in my growth.

Website: kylecervantes.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylecervantesmusic/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kylecervantesmusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO8vpYe461-NXJqEyzAC-bA

Image Credits
Megan Williams Russ Ware