STORIES
INTERVIEWS
TESTIMONIALS
STUDENTS
chris
powe
(2019)
“The Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center made me the person and musician I am today. I first joined when I was twelve years old. On day one, I showed up to a rehearsal and was asked to do was play a song in front of the rest of the band. I don’t remember the song I played, but I remember struggling through it. After that, I was in the band.
My life became busy ever after. Keeping track of my weekly rehearsals and gigs taught me to be responsible. I had to show up on time with my music learned to avoid being shamed at rehearsal or cut from the gig. The Pullum Center has instilled in me the importance of time management. I always planned my day around the gig or rehearsal that I had. Without the time management skills that I learned, I wouldn’t be able to handle the days where I have multiple gigs. The center also taught me good communication skills. I was put in situations where, in order to survive, I had to communicate with my band mates and band leader. All of these learned skills and more made me the person I am today.
The center also provided me with amazing opportunities. Through the center, I played with Arturo Sandoval, Rickey Minor, Ronnie Spectre, Kamasi Washington, Wayne Bergeron, Ciara, Missy Elliot, and Earth, Wind, and Fire. I played at NAMM, the Emmy’s Awards Ceremony, the American Music Awards, the Drew Jazz Festival, the Gardena Jazz Festival, and on the television show Insecure. I would have never been able to do any of this without the Pullum Center. The experience and connections I gained over the years are priceless.
Finally, the Pullum Center gave me a home away from home. I built life-long friendships with my fellow band mates as well as staff who cared about my well-being and encouraged me to succeed. The Pullum Center was my safe haven to express myself creatively and positively. The Center’s mission to give back to the community through free arts programs inspired me. I am so glad to have been a part of that.
I am happy to report that earlier this year, with the Pullum Center’s support, I attended the summer workshop at Berklee College of Music in Boston along with hundreds of amazingly talented young musicians from all over the world. And this fall I entered Berklee as a freshman to pursue my dream of becoming a professional musician.
I am ever grateful to the Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center for being in my life.”
kameron r.
christopher, phd
(2007)
“I completed the music program under Mr. Pullum in 2007 as a saxophonist. Since then, I have achieved many career successes, which I believe can be largely attributed to the skills and confidence I gained from Mr. Pullum’s music program. I became an award-winning composer at Berklee College of Music, was funded by Google Research and the NSF to complete my Masters at California Institute of the Arts, and recently completed an interdisciplinary PhD across the fields of Artificial Intelligence, Cognitive Neuroscience, and Music. I served as CTO of one of
New Zealand’s top AI startups, currently sit on the board of multiple tech companies, and am a senior leader at one of the world's leading banks, Westpac. However, I can say with confidence that I would not be where I am today without Mr. Pullum’s music program, as the opportunities he provided me with at such a young age were fundamental to the rest of my personal development.
Mr. Pullum’s program taught me about leadership, entrepreneurship, discipline, creativity, and fearlessness all of which have been key to my success. Mr. Pullum offered unique opportunities, such as performing the Playboy Jazz Festival, workshops with Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter, and private lessons with renowned saxophonist Jeff Clayton amongst others. I came to realize that opportunities of this caliber were extremely rare, even amongst my high-achieving colleagues in music school and beyond.
The program’s continued dedication to student achievement is truly setting students up for successful lives and careers. I look forward to watching and contributing to the continued growth and success of Mr. Pullum’s program and his students.”
I am ever grateful to the Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center for being in my life.”
rhyyer
white
(2015)
“My name is Rhyver White and I'm a graduating senior at Boston University majoring in Theater Arts with a double minor in African American Studies and Women's Gender Studies.
I joined the Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center in 2009 and it has played a major role in my decision to pursue a career in the arts. Not only did it influence my decision but my work at Pullum Center prepared me greatly for the furthering of my training in the arts.
I'm grateful and honored to have been a part of the Center, and I always endeavor to come back and work with the Center whenever I'm in Los Angeles.”
MYKAIL
MCDade
(2018)
“The Pullum Center has helped me both personally and professionally in so many ways.
Professionally, I have learned to play jazz music that is much more advanced than the music I learned in my high school jazz class. The Pullum Center has given me the opportunity to play with famous artists such as Earth Wind & Fire, Barbara Morrison, Aloe Blacc and Kamasi Washington, to name a few. I have also played in numerous jazz festivals, several events at the famous Catalina Jazz Club and even at Emmy events. I can go on to become a professional trombone player with the experience I have gained at the Pullum Center.
Personally, I have grown so much from my experience working with Mr. Pullum. Before I started coming to the Center, I hadn’t thought much about my grades and going to college. Mr. Pullum mentored me and required that I attend college to continue playing at the Center. I immediately began to care about my grades, and I made the honor roll in my senior year at high school! I am now attending Long Beach City College, carrying 16.5 units this semester. If it had not been for Mr. Pullum, I do not believe I would have been motivated to improve my grades and attend college.
I had an incident at school where I had a fight with a boy who was harassing my girlfriend. I was detained by the school police. After Mr. Pullum found out about it, he had a long talk with me about how to control and channel my anger, resolve disputes, and carry myself as a young man. It changed my perspective and taught me that there are positive ways to handle disputes. Also, when the trombone that I was issued in high school was broken, I thought I would no longer be able to play with the bands at school and the Center. However, Mr. Pullum allowed me to use a trombone from the Center, and I was able to continue playing for both bands.
I highly recommend the Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center because they offer many different artistic outlets for kids. They offer lessons and performances for acting, dancing and all types of musical instruments, as well as filmmaking and recording. All of the staff and students are polite and treat each other with respect. I’ve also made a lot of new friends, and we are very close. Mr. Pullum is my mentor and I aspire to be just like him. I want to go on to learn as much as I can about music, play all over the world and come back to L.A. to open my own center so I can help disadvantaged and at-risk kids. This is how I plan on paying Mr. Pullum back for everything he has done for me."
Garren
edwards (2018)
“Growing up in Compton/South Central came with many struggles. To be able to express myself and still stand today as my own man is a miracle. I was always influenced by my environment, but not to the point where it would jeopardize my life or my future. I’m blessed to have taken the long way and not cut any corners in life.
Music saved my life and brought me very far. I’ve been around the world and toured many countries. Working with my mentor Fernando Pullum made possible my first tour out of country. He has also been a big help in my staying out of the way of the fast life. I’ve been next to some of the greatest musical artists to ever live in our time due to him giving opportunities to people like me. Mostly because he understands the struggle of being a kid born in poverty and staying strong to survive. He helped me find my way through the high school years.
Now, I’m 24, never been incarcerated, never joined a gang, and still alive! I just recorded a song with Kendrick Lamar and Nipsey Hussle, that talks about being dedicated to your hard work and being patient – advice I follow. And I just returned from touring the world as an artist, alongside with Dreamville’s Cozz. I’m mentioning this to motivate any student who reads this and to tell them, that no matter where you come from or what your story is, YOU can turn it into whatever you want. Persistence is key!
I’m nowhere near finished or accomplished. I’m just getting started, but my whole purpose is to be an example of dedication and loyalty. I’m loyal to my morals, my upbringing, and the desires of my heart. The only way to reach that position I seek is to take the LONG WAY! And Mr. Pullum helped me learn that."
keschia potter
(1997)
"My name is Keschia Potter, and I grew up in South Central Los Angeles. At the age of 6, my mom enrolled me into a piano school where I was classically trained. When entering Jr. High, I decided to select band class as an elective. One day after band class, I went over to my teacher and said, “Mr. Cargill, I really want to play the saxophone. Can I play the saxophone in the band instead of the piano?” But he said no. Unfortunately, my band program lacked many resources and had only 2 saxophones. This meant I would have to play the piano for the next 2 years.
Fortunately, during my 2nd year in the band a special guest visited my class who ended up changing the course of my life forever. His name was Fernando Pullum. He came to recruit students for his jazz band which was the #1 jazz band in the city at the time. Mr. Pullum heard me play the piano with the band and told me I could play the piano in his Jazz Band because the piano player would be graduating soon.
That summer I attended Mr. Pullum’s music summer camp. On my first day, he explained how I needed to pick an instrument to learn for marching band season. I immediately chose the saxophone and began practicing everyday. I practiced so much that Mr. Pullum asked me to play
the saxophone in the jazz band! After playing saxophone in Mr. Pullum’s music program for 4 years, I acquired the determination, work ethic, discipline and confidence to work towards becoming a professional saxophonist. I then decided to go to UCLA to major in music.
During my college years, I started my own Jazz band called the Keschia Potter Quartet and began booking gigs across the Los Angeles area. I recorded 2 CD’s by the age of 21 and graduated from UCLA earning my Bachelors and Masters degrees by the age of 25. After completing graduate school, I became an adjunct professor at Cal State Long Beach University and Compton college. After 3 years as a college professor, I began touring the United States and Europe with Pop artist Robin Thicke for 3 years. I also toured with Jennifer Hudson and toured internationally with Beyonce.
While touring with Beyonce, I had the distinct opportunity to perform at the Glastonbury Festival in front of 169,000 people! I also recorded a DVD with her called Beyonce: Live at Roseland. Also during this time, I performed on the Oprah Winfrey show, Ellen, Good Morning America, Jay Leno Show, Jimmy Kimmel Show and Conan O’Brian. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to perform at the 2016 Grammy Awards with Lady Gaga and have shared the stage performing with Neil Diamond and Bruno Mars. I also recently finished my newest CD called Rebirth of the Soul.
Currently, I am teaching students how to play musical instruments at the Fernando Pullum Performing Arts Center. It is truly a joy to be able to inspire students just as Mr. Pullum inspired me. It’s so important to me that I am willing to drive 80 miles round-trip each time. I am truly grateful for his dedication and commitment to serving the students in my community and changing students lives one child at a time."
damani
holland
(1998)
"Fernando Pullum dragged me into a jazz band (literally) and I began my journey of jazz under his tutelage. Practicing and playing under his mentorship instilled an attitude of hard work and showed me what it takes to strive for and achieve perfection. Although I do think that always striving for perfection can cause a lot of mental strain over time, I now have an attitude of being the best me every possible day. He gave me the opportunity to be a leader and to take on responsibilities that I didn't know would develop the skills I use to excel in whatever work I pursue to this day. My time at Pullum Center has helped create a more reliable and responsible person out of me. Of course, Mr. Pullum is hard on students. He sees potential in those even when they don't see it in themselves, and I am too grateful to be a part of the experience of the Fernando Pullum Community Center Jazz Band."
alison
barrera
(2021)
“As a high schooler, beginning in 9th grade, I was never too worried about my grades, and I was a musician through and through that way. I got my start in music a little late as opposed to other people who play music long-term. It began towards the end of 7th grade in 2014 when I started playing tuba, whereas most other people begin playing as early as 4th or 5th grade. However, I didn’t let this get to me and I simply kept moving on. However, as aforementioned I got too focused on playing my instrument and thus neglected my grades. However, once I reached the beginning of 10th grade in 2016 I was invited to join a jazz band in Leimert Park by a friend of mine who also invited a peer of mine. This was the start of my 4, almost 5 years, playing with Mr. Pullum’s Sr. Jazz Band.
I joined the FPCAC Jazz Band around the beginning of my sophomore year of high school. I had no idea what to expect from a jazz band as all I had experience with was high school concert
band pieces. When I first joined, I entered a room no bigger than my own bedroom, jam-packed with about 12 other musicians, also like myself in high school and early college. I was a tuba player and that was just about the only instrument I knew and still know so I had no idea they would take to me as the tuba is not necessarily a jazz instrument. However, I ended up being greeted with nothing but kindness from the folk in that room, and was found a work-around quickly to be able to play tuba in a jazz band.
As mentioned above a few times, I had no idea where playing tuba from a small jazz band in a tiny room would take me. However, if 15-year old me knew where current me was standing with this program, I think she would be in disbelief and awe. As a jazz band, over the course of 4 years, we went from 12 members, to about 20 members strong. We went from playing inside our corner café, to headlining Earth, Wind & Fire, playing at the Gardena Jazz Festival for thousands of people, and playing at the Emmy nominations reception, among MANY other events that would take up a very good portion of this paragraph.
Earlier, I mentioned that being too involved in music was my own downfall in high school, however, what I had neglected to mention was that once I joined in 10th grade, the FPCAC gave me something more to focus on and ultimately gave me the confidence and the will to go through with my homework and studying. I went from being a C and D student to getting honor roll for a
3.5 GPA and above both that year and my junior year. The reason being that strong sense of community derived from your fellow bandmates who push you to do your best, the kind office staff who are willing to help you look for scholarship and job opportunities, and ultimately, Mr. Pullum who through his high expectations for us, wanted nothing but the best for us with all the opportunities he has given us.
After graduating high school, I remain with the FPCAC Sr. Jazz band to this day and am attending Los Angeles City College in East Hollywood. As I prepare to transfer to a 4-year college within the next year, I stand strongly in my beliefs that the Pullum Center will help me achieve my goal of transferring to one of my top five choices for music, two of those being UCLA and USC. Both of which have an alumnus who are part of the FPCAC as the staff members/teachers.”
ronnie L.
heard
(2021)
“Growing up in South Central, it often felt like my life was not my own, like I didn't have much of a choice for anything. All around there were either gangbangers, rappers or football players, so I figured I had to choose one and stick to it. By 6th grade I was dodging gang members while trying to be cool by playing football, but I still didn't feel like I was doing what I was meant to do. I was still confused about the direction that my life was going. Somehow I ended up getting my hands on a saxophone in middle school and I thought it was cool, despite what some of my “friends” might have thought. I was introduced to jazz in the 8th grade through my middle school teachers who is friends with Mr. Pullum. One day my middle School teacher told me about this community arts center in Leimert Park, with kids my age who played jazz. It made me feel so good knowing that I wasn't the “weirdo” being the only one my age that liked playing music that much. That night I was introduced to Mr. Pullum and the Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center. As soon as I walked in Mr.Pullum asked me to make a horn line for a song they were working on. I had no idea who anyone was or why they were making the song, but I was so excited to see other people my age who loved music that I just went for it. Afterwards, he cracked a joke, then
told me he’ll see me at the next rehearsal before the recording. That was the first time I had ever been introduced to the Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center. And from then on there have been nothing but love and new opportunities in my life.
I have been a part of the Fernando Pullum Community Arts for about 7 years now, and I have seen first hand how the Center changes lives. Because of the center I've gotten to see what life is like outside of the “hood”. I have been able to play alongside Grammy winning artists, like Ciarra and MIssy Elliot. I have gotten to, share the stage with musical giants such as Sheila E., Earth Wind and Fire, and Kamasi Washington just to name a few. I have gotten to travel to different states to play music. And all of these things I have been able to do with my friends through the Center. I have learned to appreciate life a little more as well. Some of my favorite memories of playing with the center aren't the big shows. But the times we played at convalescent homes, and seeing people who would usually lie down all day, getting up and dancing to our music. Or playing in Leimert park for the community and seeing them all come out
and dance. Those moments are priceless, and I'm thankful for the center providing those opportunities. Thank the center for allowing me to come to a safe place to express myself, and make lifelong friends. Thank you Mr. Pullum for showing me that with hard work I can achieve anything I put my mind to. Thank you for helping me realize that what we play isn't just notes on a page, but lessons learned, friends made, and dreams becoming reality. Thank you for showing us that it is Bigger Than Music."
Sincerely,
Ronnie L. Heard III”
aaron
thum
(2020)
PARENTS
kadiatou
sibi
(2022)
"My (child) played Fa Mulan in the Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center’s Winter 2021 Musical Production.
I want to express my most tremendous gratitude to the Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center. The costumes, the choreography, the music, the kids...the Kids! - were just beautiful!
Everyone put in so much work, and you could see the love and commitment that the children had. They were professional, from the 4-year-olds to the teens.
Our family appreciates everything and everyone who had a part in this musical, from the board to the gentleman putting up the chairs and tents. What a great team!"
PARENT
(2023)
"This is the third production that our children have participated in at the Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center, and we are official fans! The ‘Beauty and the Beast’ performance was exceptional! The music was great, of course, and the costumes were beautiful. The script was funny. The performers had fun. The Leimert Park love was inspiring.
Seven of our eight kids take classes at the Pullum Center. Two performed in ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ and six performed in a previous production. With so many cast members, our household had more than a few late nights to finish homework, and they were tired towards the end of the school day. But, their work production was at a higher rate and quality because they didn’t have to lollygag.
I was nervous, but the situation challenged them, and they excelled. Thanks for helping me see and appreciate a previously unrevealed aspect of my kids. The entire staff and crew offered excellence and put their best foot forward, and they are truly appreciated!”
james coffield
(2021)
"Great place to bring your kids to develop their talent and explore the possibilities."
lana
mcleod
(2018)
"AWESOME environment for kids of all ages to learn and participate in the Arts. Kudos to Mr. Pullum (and Staff) for his unwavering love, time commitment and support of OUR kids. Much continued success!"
kamala gipson mcelroy
(2020)
keisha
browder
(2020)
