Hernandez wins gold with Saxation in final appearance

A.J. Hernandez, left, joins fellow Saxation members Justina Lee, Ayana Kawahara, and Atsuko Eck after their performance at the 12th Tumon Bay Music Festival in Guam. The group’s winning piece was Randy Newman’s You’ve Got A Friend Me, the theme song of the Toy Story movies. (Contributed Photo)

Alexis John Hernandez and the Saxation struck gold in the 12th Tumon Bay Music Festival early this month in what could be the former’s final performance with the band. The only son of Allan C. Hernandez and the former Violeta Tan Torres is set to leave for the U.S. mainland after the school year.

Atsuko Eck, Ayana Kawahara, and Justina Lee joined Hernandez, known as A.J. to his family and friends, in the Saxation—which is made up of former and current students from Saipan Southern High School.

The Saxation won gold in the small band category, while the SSHS Manta Ray Band—where Hernandez played as a percussionist—finished with a silver medal behind Marianas High School’s Rhythm ‘N’ Harmony for the Festival Sweepstakes Award.

“I came with the Manta band as a chaperon but I could still play with them being a former member,” said the 19-year-old Hernandez, who was also part of the Manta Ray Band that won gold in 2013 and 2015. The Manta Ray Band settled for the silver behind Rhythm ‘N’ Harmony last year.

In his senior year at SSHS, he played bass with the percussion group of the Manta Ray Band that was awarded gold in the 2015 Los Angeles Music Festival.

Studies is the main reason why Hernandez is leaving Saipan as he will pursue his nursing degree at the Highline Community College in Des Moines, Washington. He will be living with his uncle, his father’s brother, in Kent, which is about 10 kilometers or six miles away from Des Moines.

Despite having music as a big part of his junior and high school years, some would have thought Hernandez would continue studying the art in college. He, however, chose to pursue a nursing career.

His love for music began in his junior year when he was still studying at Grace Christian Academy. He first learned to play the guitar after seeing two of his uncles, the one in Kent and the other in the Philippines, play the instrument.

The Manta Ray Band’s history of winning competitions and the love of performing made him decide to transfer from GCA to SSHS. “Music brings people closer together and I love to perform in front of a crowd. To show the people what you can do.”

But why switch from playing bass guitar to saxophone? The answer: Seattle native and jazz saxophonist Kenny G.

“I love listening to Kenny G. and I have most of his original albums. I wanted to be like him but now I just want music to be my hobby.”

He said that he plans to join his uncle’s local band in Kent where they play in private parties and other occasion to earn some extra cash.