This program is designed to introduce students to the types of music created by Mexican-Americans – especially the music of the Texas and California border regions, such as Tejano, conjunto and norteño music.
The educational materials provided to the teacher include a booklet with information on the various types of music, background information on the history of Mexico, information on Latino culture in general, a bibliography (including websites with audio files), and activity suggestions. The materials were prepared with the assistance of Professor Helena imonett, Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University, and were reviewed by a team of Metro Nashville Public School teachers. Also provided to teachers are five posters with information and interesting graphics on the accordion, banda music, conjunto & norteño music, the corrido, and Tejano music that can be used in the classroom.
The school assembly is presented by Danny Salazar, a Nashville musician who grew up in a Texas border town and is passionate about his music and his commitment to helping Latino immigrants. Danny is accompanied by several members of his band (Los Kuatro), including percussionist Billy Ramirez.
The instruments played during the presentation include guitar, accordion, cajon, djembe, bongos, guiro and a wide variety of other percussion instruments. The presentation teaches students about Latino culture, the history of the corrido (a type of ballad), conjunto & norteño music, Tejano music, rhythmic influences on the music such as the bolero and cumbia, and how the music has evolved from the 1800's to contemporary Mexican-American music. Students interact by answering questions, playing some of the rhythms on hand made shakers, learning some dances, and singing along on several of the songs (everybody knows "La Bamba"!). The combination of brief discussion sections, interspersed with samples of the various types of lively music and interactive segments is designed to keep the students attentive and engaged throughout the 45-minute presentation.
Like the other ARME presentations, all necessary audio-video equipment is provided with this presentation. All we need is a few chairs and an electrical outlet!
For grades K-8.
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| R&B in Tennessee for grades 5-12 |
Swamp Stories for grades K-4 |
This Song Is Our Song for grades K-6 |
| What Did the Blues
Do for You? for grades K-8 |
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Playin' the Blues for grades 3-8 |