Rafael Alers - Early Years

Early Years

Alers (birth name: Rafael Alers Gerena ) was born in the city of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, to Don Ignacio Alers and Doña Anita Gerena. He received his primary and secondary education in his hometown. The love that he developed for the Puerto Rican Danzas came about at a young age because of the influence which he received from his musically inclined family. He received his first musical instructions from the maestro Juan F. Acosta. With Acosta he learned to play the Euphonium, a wind instrument which is essential in the execution of the danza. He also learned to play the trombone and tuba.