Alumni - The Musician: Frank Catalano

Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Frank Catalano has graced stages across the globe with his Frank Catalano Quartet jazz band. A former Elgin Community College Jazz Band member, Catalano’s musical journey has seen him collaborate with iconic American rock band The Smashing Pumpkins on six albums. His talents have taken him to venues such as the Los Angeles Hollywood Bowl, one of the largest amphitheaters in the world, with a seating capacity of nearly 18,000.

Catalano’s musical career kicked off before he received his high school diploma, with a pivotal moment occurring when he was just 14. Encouraged by his Streamwood High School band director, he joined ECC’s Jazz Band — one of the college's academic music ensembles.

“Performing in the ECC Jazz Band [from 1991-1996] definitely made me a better saxophonist because I was playing with people older than me who had been playing longer,” Catalano said, adding that it nurtured his talent and helped launch his career. “So many things have gone the way they did because I was just having a great time and was experiencing and learning a lot from ECC.”

However, Catalano didn’t expect that his music career would suddenly stop. After being invited to play at the Grammys in 1994, he was having car trouble, and while tinkering under the hood, he severed his middle finger. At the hospital, the doctor told him his career as a saxophonist would be coming to a close.

Doctors reattached his finger, but Catalano knew he’d have to get reacquainted with the instrument he fell in love with at age six. Enduring multiple surgeries and fueled by an unwavering determination, Catalano embarked on a journey of rehabilitation. Through perseverance, he mastered the instrument once again.

“I kept a good attitude, and the support of many nice, cool people helped a lot,” Catalano said. “The ECC faculty and staff visited me, which really meant something.”

Now in his forties, Catalano attributes much of his success to his formative years with the ECC Jazz Band. Since leaving ECC, he has shared stages with legends such as Tony Bennett and Miles Davis. He worked with Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins on his new album, “Set Me Free,” which will be available in July. This past year, Catalano visited Spain, performing in Majorca and Madrid.

Catalano believes he was fortunate to figure out what he loved and wanted to do with his life at a very young age. His passion for the saxophone, along with the support of family, friends, and mentors, instilled in him that he could overcome any obstacle.

“When you really know what you want to do, you have to go for it 110% and never take ‘no’ for an answer,” he said. “If you don’t know what you want yet, that’s okay! Don’t rush into anything. Take your time to explore, and what you’re passionate about will present itself to you.”