A TRIP TO THE CARIBBEAN
This program consists of a musical performance that will demonstrate the different rhythms (Cumbia, Merengue, Salsa, Afro-Caribbean, and Latin Jazz) of the Caribbean area.

The trio creates an invaluable educational opportunity for students to explore and investigate further the rich heritage of Latin American rhythms. The performance captivates students as they experience the energy of the Latin rhythms, become familiar with the instruments that create these expressive sounds, and then participate in the actual performance of selected pieces.

TERMS

Clave
Syncopation
Salsa
Cumbia
Merengue
Mambo
Son
Guajira
Guiro/Guira
Congas
Percussion
Maracas
Timbal
Latin
Caribbean

Musical excerpts to be selected from the following:

Original and traditional compositions from the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Colombia and other Latin American countries.

“Compadre Pedro Juan”
Style: Merengue

“Boca Sala’”
Style: Cumbia

“Bilongo” Style:
Son montuno

“Oye Como Va”
Style: Guajira

“Porque te empeñas”
Style: Chachacha

“Blue Bossa”
Style: Latin Jazz

“La Bamba”
Style: Pop Mexican Traditional

GUIDELINE QUESTIONS FOR FOLLOW-UP DISCUSSION

Q- What is La Clave?
A- La Clave is a two-bar rhythmic pattern. Composers, songwriters, and musicians create and play Latin music based on the Clave. La Clave can be 2-3 or 3-2 rhythmic pattern. It is also a small percussion instrument (two little sticks that play the 2-3 or 3-2 rhythmic patterns).

Q- What percussion instruments are used mostly in Latin music?
A- There are timbales, congas, bongos, maracas, guiro, guira and clave.

Q- Which are the ethnic cultural influences of our Caribbean rhythms?
A- African, Indian and European

Q- Which are the Latin rhythm section instruments that we find in a Conjunto or band?
A- Timbal, Conga, Bongos, Maracas, Guiro or Guira

Q- Which are the most popular styles of music in Latin America?
A- Salsa, Cumbia, Merengue, Bachata, Reggeaton

Ask your students to write to the International Music Foundation using some of the following questions at topics.

1. As a music critic, the performance today was……..

2. When I listened to this type of music, it reminded me of………
3. Latin American rhythms/beats are used in today’s music because….

4. What was your favorite part of the program?

5. Which instrument would you like to play if you were in a trio and why?