Fernández, Raúl

Raúl Fernández

Raúl Fernández is a native Chicagoan who studies and performs a wide range of contemporary and traditional styles of music from all over Latin America and the Caribbean. Raúl discovered the cajón while playing traditional music of Latin America and as result dedicated himself to learning the various uses both traditional and modern of the cajón. He has studied with percussionist from Peru Negro and various flamenco cajón teachers in the flamenco genre. Raul specializes in other hand drums such as the congas, bongos, and dumbek. The cajon can be accompanied harmoniously with these instruments. Raul strongly recommends private lessons if you are interested in progressing quickly with cajon or cajon related rhythms. Higher level cajon rhythms include the flamenco bulerias and more challenging Afro-Peruvian rhythms. He derives musical inspiration playing drums, percussion, and/or guitar with groups such as El Payo – flamenco fusion rumba and dance, Vicios de Papa – Ska and Reggae, Son del Viento – son jarocho and Azul de Noche - Latin American rhythm and blues. As a former member of Sones de Mexico Ensemble Chicago, Raúl collaborated with Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Sinfonietta, and the Mexican Dance Ensemble of Chicago. He also appeared on the National Public Radio syndicated program: Garrison Keillor’s A Prarie Home Companion and has performed in venues ranging from The World Music Festival Series of Chicago to Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center. Raul holds a B.A. in education from the University of Chicago and regularly works with elementary and high school students in various performing arts education programs throughout Chicago including Chicago Public School’s Office of Language and Cultural Education, Northeastern Illinois University’s hACE and GEAR UP Projects, and Pro Arts Studios.